Bell Pepper, Napa Cabbage, and Tree Ear Stir Fry

[zhemao]

This is a simple dish I just made for my parents and I using some ingredients we happened to have lying around. This recipe uses tree ear, a type of fungus which (as you might guess) grows on the sides of trees. When cooked, it has a sort of rubbery texture. I assure you it's more appetizing that you might think.

Ingredients:

• Black tree ears


• Red bell peppers


• Napa cabbage


• Garlic


• Salt


• Sugar


• Cooking oil

Directions:

1. If your tree ears are dried, reconstitute them in hot water. There may be too much. If that's the case, you can reserve some of them for later.


2. Wash and chop the napa cabbage


3. Wash and julienne the bell peppers


4. Finely chop the garlic


5. Put a pan on the range on medium high heat and add a tablespoon of oil


6. Add the bell peppers and let them cook, stirring occasionally


7. Once the peppers become very fragrant, add the garlic, tree ears, and cabbage


8. Stir fry until the cabbage leaves start to wilt a bit


9. Add a bit of water, turn the heat to medium low, and cover the pan


10. Let the veggies simmer for about a minute


11. Add salt and sugar and stir well


12. Continue cooking until fully cooked. In the end, the cabbage should be soft while the pepper still has a bit of crunchiness.

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