Spicy Sesame Broccoli
Just before dinner, I happened upon an article about how the Bush administration is allowing some super-toxic pesticide to be used through at least 2008, because its manufacturer contributed $420,000 to his campaign. I forgot the name of the pesticide, but it is put into soil for the sole purpose of making veggies look shiny and pretty in stores. It causes convulsions and sometimes comas in workers who come into frequent contact with it. Nice, huh?
So, what does this have to do with Spicy Sesame Broccoli? Not much, just a rant. Still, it’s a good opportunity to remind everyone to use organic produce as much as possible, if not always. Sure, the Bushies have managed to water down organic standards too, but it’s the best we have. And the most any of us can do about situations such as the above, apart from feeling helpless, is to vote with our shopping dollars.
Onto the broccoli—here’s a side dish I made for our dinner tonight, which went with a veggie-filled rice stir-fry and a salad. Salty, sweet, and spicy, this made a perfect foil for the rice dish.
Spicy Sesame Broccoli
Serves 4
- 2 large or 3 medium crowns broccoli
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine or water
- 1 tablespoon natural granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Cut the broccoli crowns into bite-sized florets.
Gently heat the soy sauce, oil, and wine in a medium skillet. Stir in the sugar. Add the broccoli and stir quickly to coat. Turn the heat up to medium high and cover.
Cook until the broccoli is bright green and just tender-crisp. Uncover and stir-fry until any liquid remaining in the skillet is reduced. Stir in the sesame seeds, season with red pepper flakes, and serve.
elylous said,
January 17, 2006 @ 10:43 am
a really simple recipe, and i will try it tonight (i have everything!cool!)
About Bush administration i can’t really say something but just “buy organic produce in America, in Europe or anywhere, it’s important for the planet, for you, for the producers, for everything”. And i think that in USA like in France consuming is also a political act, we can change our world just by not buying anything.
(please forgive my mistakes)
Annabelle
Nava said,
January 17, 2006 @ 11:13 am
Bonjour Annabelle,
Bienvenue! You have come to the right place, as I am a complete Francophile! I am always trying to improve my French, and am an avid collector of books on Paris. J’ai visite Paris le Mars dernier, et je suis tombe amoureux avec cette belle cite. Excuse mes erreurs, mais il faut que je practiqe ma francais! Enjoy the broccoli dish …
elylous said,
January 17, 2006 @ 11:52 am
Wonderful because i am a complete americanophile, dreaming of visiting and living in the USA but not for this moment (not enough money
)
but my sister is in Paris (dreaming of San Francisco :-p) Our passion of USA seems to be genetic! Si tu veux ameliorer ton francais, you’re welcome, seulement si je peux ameliorer mon anglais! Did you enjoy your journey in France? did you well eat?
I live in Normandy , a small village with 800pop and 700 horses
Have a good day (it’s 5h50 p.m. here, broccoli dish coming soon, youpi!!)
elylous said,
January 18, 2006 @ 10:41 am
Everybody needs to try this recipe, the association of broccoli( my favorite vegetable) and sesame seeds surprised me, and it was a real succes. Vivement les prochaines recettes! On attend avec impatience.
Thank you so much
Annabelle