Papa’s Simple Buttered Rice with Stir Fried Vegetables

Stir-Fried Cabbage, Celery, and Tomatoes seasoned with soy sauce, served with butter-tossed rice, makes for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s both simple and quick to prepare. This dish combines the crispness of celery, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the slight crunch of cabbage, all brought together with the savory depth of soy sauce. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced diagonally
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Butter-Tossed Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stir-Fry:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage and celery to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crisp.
4. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato wedges and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Tomatoes should be warm and slightly softened but not mushy.
5. Season: Add the soy sauce, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Butter-Tossed Rice:

1. Melt Butter: In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Toss Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the melted butter. Gently toss to coat the rice evenly with butter. Season with a little salt to taste.
3. Heat Through: Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through.

3. Serve:

• Plate the Dish: Spoon a generous serving of the butter-tossed rice onto each plate. Top with the stir-fried cabbage, celery, and tomatoes.
• Garnish (optional): Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.

Tips:

• Rice Preparation: Using day-old rice that’s been refrigerated helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky when stir-frying. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray and let it cool completely before using.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or onions, to the stir-fry for added flavor and texture.
• Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the stir-fry before serving and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor.

This Stir-Fried Cabbage, Celery, and Tomatoes with Butter-Tossed Rice recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!