Chinese Fried rice (Vegan) - The original way

A little background about Chinese Fried Rice: It evolved as a way to use up left-over rice and hence, it's still considered informal (in some parts of China) to serve Fried Rice to guests. There's no strict formula for fried rice and it can be done with whatever veggies (and meat) are available.

I got the recipe from a Chinese colleague (she's a fantastic cook!), so its gotta be as authentic as it is. Here are her tips : 

1. DO NOT use freshly cooked rice. For best results, use rice that has been sitting in the fridge for atleast a few hours. (If you're using fresh rice, let it cool down by spreading it on a greased plate so that the grains don't stick to each other).
2. Start with garlic but NO onions.
3. Add mushrooms, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, celery, peas, beans. Garnish with spring onions.
4. Spices - only soy sauce, salt and pepper. 

Chinese Fried Rice

Egg is also good to add, but I haven't used any. Knowing me, she specifically emphasized that no Indian spice powders are to be added :)

Here's the recipe, in pictures this time :)

Veggies chopped and ready

A closer look at Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are actually from Green Mung beans. When the sprouts become very long, the nutrients in the bean itself are almost reduced to nil, which is why you see only the sprouts. These are extensively used in Asian cuisine and are easily available in super-markets here. They are thick and crunchy and quick to cook! Sprouts are an inexpensive way of obtaining a concentration of vitamins, mineral and enzymes, without the risk of harmful insecticides. 

Heat a little oil in a wok/deep pan and fry garlic

  

Chopped beans

Bean sprouts

Mushrooms

Shredded Carrots

Green peas

Rice , from the fridge

So far...
The veggies are first stir-fried in a wok and then seasoned with soy sauce.
=> Increase heat to high and then add Soy Sauce (~1 tbsp). Quickly stir in cold rice (while heat is on HIGH) and toss with the veggies.

I have used dark soy sauce and hence the dark tone you see here, in the fried rice. You could use light soy sauce too. Start with 1 tablespoon, taste and add more, if you want. Soy sauce generally is very salty (that you hardly need any extra salt) but there are also low-sodium versions available these days. Adjust salt and pepper, after tasting.

Be vigilant to pick the bottle that does not come with MSG aka Ajinomoto. I tend to avoid MSG as much as possible; over the years, it's bad for your health, in many ways.  Most restaurants do add atleast 1/2 teaspoon of Ajinomoto and hence their food tastes remarkably wonderful! :) 

Finally, Garnish with Spring onions/ Green onions.

Spring Onions for garnish

Yummy Chinese Fried Rice - a complete meal!

This is a quick meal, complete by itself! All it takes is about 15 minutes, including time to chop the veggies! :)