Braised Bamboo Fungus and Wood Ear Mushrooms with Vegetables (支竹雲耳素菜)
支竹雲耳素菜, or Braised Bamboo Fungus and Wood Ear Mushrooms with Vegetables, is a delightful vegetarian dish that combines unique textures and flavors. Bamboo fungus (also known as bamboo pith) and wood ear mushrooms are both known for their distinctive textures and ability to absorb flavors. This dish is not only nutritious but also offers a wonderful sensory experience. Here's how to prepare it.
Ingredients
- 10-12 pieces of dried bamboo fungus 支竹, soaked and cleaned
- 1 cup dried wood ear mushrooms 雲耳, soaked and cleaned
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot sliced
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
- 1 block of firm tofu cut into cubes
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Soak the dried bamboo fungus and wood ear mushrooms in warm water until they become soft. Rinse them thoroughly and drain. Cut the bamboo fungus into manageable pieces if they are too large.
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing the carrot, bell pepper, and cleaning the snap peas or snow peas.
Cook the Tofu:
- In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Fry the tofu cubes until they are golden on all sides. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the carrot, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Bamboo Fungus and Wood Ear Mushrooms:
- Add the bamboo fungus and wood ear mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for another couple of minutes.
Season:
- Add soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Add Broth and Tofu:
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Add the fried tofu cubes. Stir gently to combine.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Mix the cornstarch with water and pour it into the wok. Stir gently as the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Once the vegetables are cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve your Braised Bamboo Fungus and Wood Ear Mushrooms with Vegetables hot, accompanied by steamed rice.
