Veg Fried Rice

Soak 1 cup of basmati rice (190-200 grams) in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot add 4-4.5 cups of water, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 to 3 drops of toasted sesame oil (or any cooking oil), and set over high heat on the stovetop.

Bring the water to boil, then add the soaked and drained basmati rice.

Simmer uncovered on medium to medium-high heat.

Cook rice until al dente. It's important that you do not overcook the rice in this step.

Place rice in colander and rinse with cold water. Mix the grains around with your hands so the water gets to all the rice.

Cover cooked rice and set aside to cool.

Finely chop ¼ cup each of the following: scallions, carrots, french beans (finely chopped), and capsicum (bell peppers, color of choice). Also 1 cup of button mushrooms , 1 tbsp finely chopped celery, and ¼ to ½ cup chopped cabbage.

Heat 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil in a wok or deep skillet. Add 1 whole star anise & fry until it becomes fragrant.

Then add 1 tsp finely chopped garlic, ½ tsp finely chopped ginger. Cook briefly, but do not burn.

Add the spring onions (scallions) and sauté for 1-2 minutes on med-low to medium heat.

Next, add the finely chopped green beans. Continue to stir-fry both the onions and french beans for 2-3 minutes over medium to med-high heat.

Now add the remaining finely chopped veggies, including mushrooms and celery. Increase the heat to high to thoroughly cook all of the ingredients.

Toss and stir-fry veggies for 4-6 minutes. You still want the vegetables to have some crunch.

Add 3 tbsp soy sauce. Stir well. Taste the dish, then add ½ tsp of black pepper and however much salt you would prefer. Mix well.

To the skillet with veggies, add the cooked rice 1 cup at a time. Mix together. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-high. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold cooked rice into the mixed vegetables.

Reduce the heat to medium or medium-high. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold cooked rice into the mixed vegetables. Stir & cook for about 2 more minutes.

You can add 1 tbsp of rice wine or vinegar to the rice if you would prefer. This adds more flavor.

Finally, add more freshly chopped spring onions. Sprinkle the onions on top as garnishment or mix throughout the dish.

Serve hot.