Time for Thai

A New Leaf

Monday, March 31, 2008

Vegetarian recipes from recently released cookbooks:

"Gourmet Thai in Minutes," by Vatcharin Bhumichitr (Kyle Books, 2008)

Vegetarian alert: If you don't eat seafood, Thai cuisine may not be your first choice. Many curries and other dishes in this book of essential Thai food contain fish paste. But if you're making food from home and have ready substitutes, this book is a good way to introduce your family to a different type of taste. The recipes appear to be true to the title: Many dishes can be prepared and cooked within 15 minutes, and all recipes fit neatly under half an hour. Quick introductions to the ingredients and techniques will get you ready for a transporting experience, and mini essays on Thai culture add spice to the collection.

— Evelyn Shih

* Thai fried noodles (gueytoew pad thai)

3 tablespoons oil
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 ounces fried tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup)
1 egg
4 ounces dried sen lek noodles (rice sticks), soaked in water for 20 minutes and drained
1 tablespoon finely chopped chi po (preserved turnip)
2 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 sprig cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 lemon wedge

In a wok or frying pan, heat the oil and fry the garlic until golden brown. Add the tofu and stir. Break the egg into the wok, cook for a moment, then stir. Add the noodles, stir well, then add the chi po, scallions, half the peanuts and half the bean sprouts.

Stir well, then add chili powder, sugar, light soy sauce and lemon juice. Stir well and scoop onto a plate. Sprinkle with the remaining peanuts and chopped cilantro. Arrange the remaining bean sprouts and lemon wedge on the side of the plate; these can be added by the diner as desired.

Servings: 4.

Per serving: 305 calories, 16 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 52 milligrams cholesterol, 32 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams protein, 353 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.