Chili pepper leaves, often overlooked, are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. These tender, dark green leaves, with their mild, earthy flavor and subtle peppery kick, offer a unique twist to your typical stir-fry. Widely used in Asian and Latin American cuisines, they are a fantastic way to elevate your dishes while providing vitamins and minerals. This simple stir-fry recipe allows the chili pepper leaves to shine, making for a healthy and flavorful side dish or main course.
★Ingredients
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chili pepper leaves (fresh or frozen)
1 small onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 small chili pepper (optional for extra heat), finely chopped
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Salt to taste
A pinch of sugar (optional)
★Instructions
Prepare the leaves: If using fresh chili pepper leaves, wash them thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using frozen, thaw them before cooking.
Heat the oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the chili pepper leaves: Toss in the chili pepper leaves and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. The leaves should soften but still retain their vibrant green color.
Season: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar (optional) to enhance the flavors. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or additional soy sauce, depending on your preference.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a side dish or pair it with rice for a light meal.
Tips:
- For an added protein boost, you can stir-fry the dish with some tofu or chicken strips.
- You can experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and texture.
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