Stir fried vegetables with bean curd

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2Sq seasoned pressed beancurd
2Stalks celery
1largeCarrot
6cupsBoiling water
½cupGiant bamboo shoots, cut
Into sticks
½mediumWhite onion
1tablespoonPeanut oil
½cupChicken stock
¼teaspoonSalt
1pinchSugar
½teaspoonGinger root, minced
2teaspoonsMedium sherry
½teaspoonSesame oil
Cornstarch paste

Directions

Preparation: Cut pressed beancurd into sticks 2" long, the size of a lead pencil. Wash and trim celery and carrots; trim strings from back of celery; cut into sticks to match pressed beancurd. Wash and slice giant bamboo shoot across grain to match beancurd sticks. Peel onion, take apart layers; cut into sticks.

Combine chicken stock, salt, sugar, ginger, sherry and sesame oil in bowl. Reserve.

Put carrots in rapidly boiling water; in 15 seconds, add celery; in another 15 seconds, drain and plunge vegetables into running cold water to stop cooking process. Drain and reserve.

Stir-frying: Heat wok to very hot; add oil. Let oil heat for a few seconds, then add onions; toss for 10 seconds. Add celery, carrots and bamboo shoots; toss for 1 minute. Slowly pour in chicken stock mixture around sides of pan so it will heat quickly. When liquid boils, add beancurd sticks, taking care not to break pieces. Thicken liquid slightly with a dribble or two of cornstarch paste. Keep stirring gently to reduce liquid. Remove to serving platter.