Buddha's delight

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupOil for deep-frying
1teaspoonMSG (opt)
2tablespoonsDark soy sauce
2tablespoonsMedium sherry
1tablespoonWater
4Lily buds, Golden Needles
4Wood ear black fungus
6Nami Black mushrooms
2cupsMung bean sprouts
2Stalks celery
2mediumsCarrots
1Bell pepper
1Long white turnip
1Sq. fermented bean curd
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonSugar
2tablespoonsSesame oil
2Bean curd sticks
½cupDried bamboo shoots (opt)
2ouncesBean thread noodles
2Leaves Napa cabbage
½cupCanned ginko nuts
½cupCanned baby corn
2Cakes pressed bean curd (OR
6Fried gluten balls)

Directions

DRIED INGREDIENTS

FRESH & CANNED INGREDIENTS

This dramatic "hot salad" is typical of Buddhist vegetarian dishes.

Preparation: Rinse, then soak dried ingredients in warm water: soak bean curd sticks overnight; soak rest about 1 hour. Cut bean curd sticks and lily buds into 2" sections. Remove hard stems from wood ears, and slice thinly. Remove stems from black mushrooms (reserve for stock pot); halve the caps. Cut thin strands of bamboo shoots into 2" lengths. Cut soaked bean thread noodles into 3" pieces.

Wash and blanch bean sprouts, celery and pepper.Slice celery, pepper, carrots, turnip and cabbage into 2" long pencil-size pieces. Halve baby corn on the bias.

Slice pressed bean curd same size as vegetables. Deep-fry in shallow oil until slightly tan but still pliable. Drain.

Mash fermented bean curd, then blend with sugar, dark soy, sherry and water.

Stir-frying: Heat wok until medium-hot. Add 4 tablespoons of deep- frying oil. Add all dry ingredients, except noodles; stir-fry 1 minute. Turn wok to high. Add fresh and canned ingredients, and stir-fry for 2 more minutes: sprinkle in salt after first minute.

Add liquid mixture, mixing with juices in pan. Add noodles. Reduce heat to medium, cover wok, and steam for 5 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked but still firm. Uncover, sprinkle in MSG and sesame oil. Toss briefly. Serve in a warm bowl.