VEGETABLES: If you are prepared to invest the time & effort to serve vegetables in potato nests, you will be rewarded by praises from your family & friends for the spectacular result.

STIR-FRIED VEGATABLES IN POTATO NEST—CHINESE STYLE:

 

 

 

potato nest:

    1 lb. potatoes ****                                                         

    ½ tsp. salt

    ½ cup + 2 tbsp. corn starch                         

    oil for deep frying

veggie mix:****

    ¼ Chinese cabbage, shredded                                             

    1 green pepper, seeded and diced

    10 canned water chestnuts, sliced                           

    5 stalks celery, thinly sliced

    3 carrots, peeled, cut into matchsticks                    

    1 fresh green chilli, chopped

    1 clove garlic, crushed                                            

seasoning:

    1 tbsp. oyster-flavoured sauce                                

    1 tsp. each salt & sugar                                                       

    1 tbsp. rice wine

    ½ tsp sesame oil                                          

    1 tsp. light soy sauce

2 tsp. tapioca starch  mixed with ½ cup cold water

 

 

 

To prepare nest:  Peel and finely grate potatoes. Rinse well under cold running water, drain well and thoroughly pat dry.  Put into a large bowl, add salt and cornstarch and mix well. Divide into 4 portions.

 

Heat enough oil for deep frying in a wok or large saucepan over high heat until 370 degrees F, or until a clean dry chopstick inserted into the oil causes a vigorous burst of bubbles. Use one portion of grated potato to line a 4-inch shallow round-shaped metal strainer. Put a similar-sized strainer on top and press down. Lower both strainers into hot oil. Deep fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove, carefully loosen potato nests and keep warm. Repeat with the other 3 portions of potatoes. Drain off all except 2 tbsp. hot oil. Cool oil completely, save and use it as “cooked oil” in other recipes. 

 

Heat remaining oil until hot over high heat, add garlic and vegetables. Stir fry until tender but still crisp. Add in seasoning ingredients and stir well to coat vegetables. Add in starch solution and cook until sauce is thickened.

 

Arrange a potato nest on a serving plate and spoon vegetables into nest to serve.

 

 

 

 

****Any other vegetables of choice may be used. Half the amount of potatoes and reduce the amount of vegetables accordingly if only 2 potato nests are to be served****