| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 331 | 20g | 4g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 6g | 12g | 1.28g |
I have always had a deep affection for the Kapas-kapas stir fry and it’s a personal delight of mine to share it with you. A beautiful blend of flavours and colours that remind me of summers back in New Jersey with my grandparents. Although they cooked traditional Italian-American meals, they also taught me to be adventurous with my food. I believe they would have appreciated the innovation, health benefits, and cultural blend this dish brings.
The Italian Connection And Cultural Blend
As I stand over the sizzling skillet tossing the fresh and colourful ingredients of Kapas-kapas stir fry, I can’t help but be reminded of the rustic and hearty charm synonymous with Italian cooking. The mix of fresh veggies and spices is oddly reminiscent of a primavera. What’s wonderful is that this dish blends the intensity of an Asian stir fry with the warm, homecooked appeal of an Italian family meal. Something I find in dishes like Pasta Primavera.
The Health Kick from Kapas-Kapas Stir Fry
Not only is this a dish delightfully bursting with flavour and vibrant colour, but it also packs a serious health punch. The dominant element – Traveler’s Palm Fruits or Kapas-kapas – provides high dietary fiber and low sugar, which is a brilliant combo for a health-conscious guru like yourself. Then the symphony of veggies – carrots, snow peas, beansprouts – each bring their plethora of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients. As a grandfather, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet has become increasingly important to me and dishes like this help me achieve that goal.
Furthermore, the stir-frying process used in this recipe maintains the nutrient content better than other cooking methods such as boiling, as it uses less heat and liquid, meaning vital nutrients are not leeched out into water. This brief cooking process also ensures the veggies retain a delightful crunch. Here’s a link to research which dives deeper into why frying in moderation can be advantageous to preserve nutritional value.
The Perfect Pairings
Although Kapas-kapas stir fry is a stellar main course, its vibrant flavours pair well with many different dishes. Try it beside a Thai sweet and sour chicken or complement with some pan-fried tofu for a flavourful, well-rounded vegetarian meal. A bowl of simple jasmine rice works beautifully as an accompaniment too, its delicate fragrance contrasting nicely against the robustness of the stir fry. The wonderful thing about this dish is its adaptability. In my own kitchen, I love experimenting with pairings as it allows me to continuously discover new exciting combinations.
It’s clear that the Kapas-kapas stir fry is a fond favorite of mine. Whether it’s the connection it has to my Italian-American roots, the multitude of health benefits it offers or how well it pairs with different dishes, every aspect of it speaks of a truly satisfying culinary experience. I hope when you taste it, you experience the same heartwarming feelings I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Traveler’s Palm Fruits (Kapas-kapas), sliced into thin pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green chilies, de-seeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, de-seeded and chopped
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup beansprouts
- 1 cup snow peas
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in a little water
- 1/3 cup cashew nuts or peanuts, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves and the chopped green chilies. Sauté these ingredients until the onions become translucent and the garlic is lightly browned.
Step Two
Add the sliced Traveler’s Palm Fruits (Kapas-kapas) into the pan. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to become tender. Next, add the chopped red bell pepper, julienned carrots, beansprouts and snow peas into the pan. Continue to stir-fry all the ingredients together for another few minutes.
Step Three
Into the stir-fry, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar and chicken stock (or water if you prefer). Mix all the ingredients together well, ensuring that they are all coated evenly with the sauces. Lower your heat and allow the mixture to simmer.
Step Four
In a small bowl, prepare your cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a little water. Once the cornstarch is fully dissolved, add this mixture into the stir-fry. Mix it in well and you’ll notice the stir-fry sauce beginning to thicken.
Step Five
Add salt and pepper according to your taste and then stir it in. Once all the vegetable are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
Step Six
Transfer the Kapas-kapas stir fry to a serving dish. Top your stir fry with cashew nuts or peanuts and garnish with some chopped green onions. Your Kapas-kapas stir fry is now ready to be served.
