4. Cambodia: Part II

Mmm, Cambodia night. Nothing like good ole-fashioned sweet and sour veggies. I ended up finding an awesome (and large) Oriental market near our home, so I got a big pack of rice noodles for the low price of $1.25 (we'll be heading back soon!). Co and I both really enjoyed this recipe -- lots of fresh veggies, ginger, and Co's favorite -- pineapple. The recipe is sweet, so you may want to lower the brown sugar a bit. Aside from the sugar, this recipe has ZERO oil or butter - and you don't miss either one bit.

A tip for all you fellow ginger lovers out there: freeze it! I buy a big piece at the grocery store, stick it in a freezer-safe ziplock, and use a hand grater to add fresh flakes to meals. I don't worry about the peel unless I'm dicing it -- I'm sure there are some nutrients in the peel, anyway :) One $2 piece lasts me at least a month... and it's sooo much better than powdered.

Another note on the recipes on this blog -- I don't use measuring cups/spoons unless I'm baking... so interpret the proportions liberally. Taste as you go, and enjoy making the dishes your own.
 
Sweet and Sour Vegetables with Rice Noodles

Cory tries to interpret instructions that
might as well have been in Chinese

1 c carrots, sliced
1 bag chopped frozen broccoli
1 onion, cut in wedges
1 c water
1 bunch green onions, cut in 1" pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 t fresh grated ginger
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 20-oz can pineapple chunks in juice
 rice noodles (1/4 bag)

1 c unsweeted pineapple juice
1/2 c cider vinegar
3 T soy sauce
3-4 drops red food coloring (fake MSG)
1/3 c brown sugar
2 T cornstarch
garlic salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste

Sumberge rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes (not over heat). Drain the pineapple, reserve the juice and set aside. Place the vegetables in a large pot or wok with 1 cup of the water, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 6-8 minutes. Stir, then cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.

Combine the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl. Stir in the sauce mixture, then add the pineapple. Cook, stirring until thickened. Add rice noodles, simmer for 2 mins, and serve!