Treasures of the Earth (Chinese Stir Fry)

Submitted by kangningchang

"This is a typical North-Eastern Chinese Dish, and has been my favorite ever since i came to study in Beijing 4 years ago. the Chinese name of this dish literally translated is earth three fresh (or three fresh produces of the earth) including eggplants, potatoes and green bell peppers. quick and easy to throw together, I like it with fried rice. Note: i timed myself when making this dish tonight and found that it took longer than i thought, esp if you make more or cut the pieces bigger, anyway cook the veggies to your desired tenderness, i like them extra soft"

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 1 plate
• Serves: 2

ingredients

• 1 eggplant
• 1 medium potato
• 2 green bell peppers
• 5 tablespoons oil, separated
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 green onions
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water, separated
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cornstarch

directions

1. peel potato and wash eggplant and bell peppers.
2. cut the potato in 1/2 inch and eggplant in 1 inch chunks, the traditional way is to cut slanted into triangular shaped pieces for faster cooking, but really any shape will do, i keep the pieces small to make this a quick dish to cook. cut bell peppers into 1 inch pieces.
3. poor 2 T oil into a pan to heat over medium high heat.
4. stir fry the potatoes for around 5 minutes or until almost done, transfer to a plate.
5. while the veggies are cooking, cut the green onion into 2 inch long pieces, peel and crush the garlic, and mix the corn starch with 1 T of water; set aside.
6. add 2 more T of oil in the same pan, stir fry the eggplants (they really suck up the oil, you may add a bit more if needed) stir fry about 30 sec. reduce to med low heat and cook covered, stirring occasionally for about 5 more minutes or until almost done, add bell peppers, cook for another minute or so.
7. transfer the veggies to the plate with the potatoes.
8. add 1 T of oil in the pan, heat under med-high heat, add garlic to the oil, lightly stir fry to release the flavors in the garlic.
9. add the precooked veggies, and the green onion, stir fry for about a minute, add soy sauce, sugar and 1 T water (more or less soy sauce to taste).
10. add corn starch water to thicken the sauce up a bit, remove from heat and enjoy your authentic north-eastern Chinese dish.