Vegan recipe for the day: Chile-hot bright green soybeans with garlic

[Guest guest]

Total time: 15 minutes

 

Servings: 8 as an appetizer or side dish

 

Note: Adapted from " Beyond the Great Wall. " This recipe is traditionally made

with fresh fava beans.

 

1 pound (2 cups) fresh or frozen shelled soybeans

 

Scant 2 tablespoons peanut oil

 

5 dried red chiles

 

5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

 

1/2 teaspoon star anise pieces

 

1 teaspoon salt

 

1 cup chicken or pork broth or water

 

1. Rinse the beans under cold water, drain and set aside.

 

2. Heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil, swirl it around in the pan and heat

until hot. Add the chiles and garlic and stir-fry until aromatic, about 30

seconds. Add the soybeans and the star anise and stir-fry for 1 minute.

 

3. Add the salt and broth or water and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and

simmer until the beans are very tender, about 7 minutes. (Fresh and frozen take

about the same time.) Turn out and serve.

 

Each serving: 130 calories; 13 grams protein; 10 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams

fiber; 7 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 350 mg. sodium.