Khichdi

EJ loves khichdi.

A very easy to cook meal as well as easy on the stomach, EJ would throw in whatever is found in the fridge. Each time it would taste different and nice.

Here is EJ's version for this meal. Boiled with the rice is seaweed, cubed carrots, tofu, green peas, corn and chopped leftover Chinese cabbage. Throw in some salt, a teaspoon of sesame oil and pepper to taste.

In other parts of Asia, Khichdi is known as congee.

Great Lazy Man's Food

On days when you are too busy or lazy to cook, most will eat out or phone for pizza delivery. Being a vegetarian like EJ, it is difficult unless you are willing to drive out to vegetarian restaurants that could be located some distance away.

So what EJ does is stock up vegetarian food mostly in the freezer. And on such lazy-to-cook days, EJ whips up lunch or dinner in less than 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Hashbrowns (stored in the freezer)

Vegetarian ham (stored in the freezer)

Baked beans

This method is so easy. Place hashbrowns on dish. Cut vegetarian ham into smaller pieces and arrange on dish.

Open a can of baked beans and spoon it over the hashbrowns and ham. You can also add vegetarian sausages if you wish.

Microwave and voila! Dinner's ready!

Vegetarian ham and other stuff can be bought from the vegetarian corner of most bigger supermarkets or vegetarian shops. Most vegetarian mock meat is made from soya which is an excellent source of high quality protein.

PS: EJ is a vegetarian due to intolerance and allergy, not religion or obligation as most people assume.

Power Failure Follies?

It hits you hard when there is a sudden power failure without warning. And you do not know when it will come back.

EJ remembers during younger days while working, all the writers would scream in frustration when this happened. The loudest screams were from those who had a deadline to beat and had not saved their work. Obviously in the writing mood with words flowing, they kept pounding the keyboards chasing their thoughts and did not really have time to save. Some writers do write best when nearing deadlines.

It isn't so bad if this happens at home.
EJ took advantage of the power failure to clean the refrigerator and all electrical fans.

To cool the house in the tropical afternoon heat, EJ mopped the whole house. It was a good exercise to burn off any excess fat as well as strengthen the muscles. Toxins were removed from the body in the form of sweat as well.

To cool the body, just take a cold shower.

Working hard physically can really work up an appetite.

Food? Not a problem.

EJ, a vegetarian, opened a can of baked beans and cooked it with the naturally thawed frozen mixed vegetables. Vegetables are perishable and without the refrigerator, it has to be consumed.

Boil the mixed vegetables with half cup of water.
Throw in half teaspoon salt.
When the mixed vegetables are cooked, pour in a can of baked beans. Add a few tablespoons of water so it would not be thick.

This dish goes well with rice or bread. When these two were not available, EJ has tried eating it with cream crackers.
Non-vegetarians can throw in whatever meat as well.

Power failure follies?

EJ doesn't think so. You make the best out of it till the power comes back. Another plus is that your electricity bill will be a little lower.

Vegetarian Tom Yam Beehoon

Being a vegetarian has its benefits. The immediate benefit that comes to mind is that your cholesterol level will not go up unlike those who eat meat.

EJ is amused and at the same time baffled when friends who love eating meat compliment this vegetarian dish - Tom Yam Fried Beehoon.

This dish is easy to cook, whether it is for two or five persons.

Ingredients
1 packet beehoon, soaked in water
Cabbage, thinly sliced
Carrot, thinly sliced
French beans, thinly sliced
2 pieces firm tauhu, sliced into small pieces
1 big onion, thinly sliced
2 pips garlic, finely chopped
Tom Yam paste
Oil for frying

Method
1. Pour oil in the wok.
2. Put in sliced tauhu, onion and garlic. Stir constantly to prevent it from being burnt.

3. Put in cabbage, carrot and French beans. Add salt to taste. Cover the wok and let it cook for a short while.

4. Stir to allow all vegetables to be evenly cooked.
5. Add in pre-soaked beehoon and a small amount of water.
6. Add 2 tablespoons of Tom Yam paste and mix well.
7. Cover the wok to let it cook.
8. When all the water have been absorbed by the beehoon, it is ready to be served.

Tom Yam paste are readily available and sold in jars.
If you like your beehoon to be more spicy, just add another spoonful of Tom Yam paste.

Happy cooking!