| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 12g | 2g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 4g | 12g | 1g |
If there’s a recipe that emulates my past and present, Pacific Northwest roots and Japanese heritage—it’s this Ground Elder Stir-fry. It’s more than a confluence of flavors brought to life by homegrown ingredients; it’s a testament to my journey as a transcultural chef. The seamless blend of diverse vegetables and the subtle aroma of sesame oil, paired festively with fresh fruits, resonates deeply with my ethos of using ingredients from the earth around us.
A Tapestry of Tastes
Ground Elder Stir-fry brings the wholesome vibrancy of the Pacific Northwest together with the unpretentious simplicity of Japanese cooking. It’s a departure from the popular Japanese Yasai Itame—or stir-fried vegetables—yet carries forward its ethos. Each morsel is a vibrant mix of Seattle-area ground elder leaves, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots that represent my home. The soy sauce and grated ginger ignite nostalgia for my times spent in Japan.
However, unique to this recipe is the invigorating twist of fresh fruit that adds another layer of distinction. It’s an experimental flair that embodies my kitchen philosophy: dare to create, dare to enjoy.
Naturally Nutritious
This recipe is also exciting from a nutritionist’s perspective. As well as being delicious, it’s loaded with essential nutrients. The leafy green, ground elder, is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. Additionally, the colorful array of vegetables contributes an array of vitamins and fiber, bolstering heart health and boosting digestion. The fruits add a natural sweetness to the dish, enriching it with their own set of unique health benefits, from enhanced immunity to improved skin health.
Serve this healthy and flavorful Ground Elder Stir-fry with a side of fluffy, steamed rice or integrate it into a vegetable fried rice dish for a complete meal. This versatile, nutritious, and utterly delicious stir-fry promises a dining experience that satisfies the body, appeases the taste buds, and warms the soul.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of ground elder leaves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of sliced zucchini
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruit (like apples, oranges, grapes, etc.), chopped
- 6 servings of cooked rice
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the ground elder leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or insects. Once cleaned, roughly chop them and set aside.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, sliced onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini to the pan. Stir fry until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step Three
Add the chopped ground elder leaves and grated ginger to the pan. Continue to stir fry until the leaves have wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step Four
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and honey. Stir until the cornstarch has completely dissolved.
Step Five
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the vegetables in the pan. Stir well to thoroughly coat the vegetables in the sauce. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step Six
In the meantime, chop the fresh fruit into bite-sized pieces.
Step Seven
Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice, topped with the mixed fresh fruit for a sweet and refreshing contrast.
Enjoy your Ground Elder Stir-fry!
