When I was warded in hospital for a major operation two years ago, my friend, Isabella insisted in staying the night over with me in the hospital as she said it would be comforting should I wake up in the middle of the night and see a familiar face and in addition, she was there should I need help in the middle of the night.
I have never forgotten her kindness and it was a blessing to have a friend to care enough to do so unconditionally.
Isabella was in the hospital for an eye operation and I was so blessed to be in a position to reciprocate.
I was wondering what I should cook for her and knowing that we have the same taste, it wasn't much of an issue at all. Green vegetables were not an option as I was clueless as to what time she was allowed food.
The safest bet would be vegetables that can be re-heated without marring the nutrient values which are beneficial to her health.
With this in mind, I decided to cook squash before her scheduled operation.
Ingredients:
1. Four cups of squash, sliced in wedges
2. Two or more cloves of garlic, slightly bruised but left whole
3. One small onion, sliced
4. Two tablespoons of dried prawns, sieve off the impurities
5. One stalk of spring onion/coriander, sliced
6. Dash of white pepper
7. Few drops of sesame oil
8. One teaspoon of corn flour, mixed with two tablespoon of water
9. One cup of chicken stock
10. Two tablespoons of Kek Zi, rinsed and patted dry (optional)
11. Three tablespoons of onion oil or oil of your choice
12. Pinch of sugar
13. Pinch of sea salt
Method:
1. Heat pan and add oil. When pan is hot, lower heat to medium, add garlic, fry still lightly golden, and add dried prawns. Fry till fragrant without burning.
2. Add onion slices and fry till aromatic. Add squash and dash of white pepper. Mix well and fry for about three minutes.
3. Add chicken stock, stir well and leave it to simmer till pumpkin is tender or soft according to your taste. Add more stock if necessary.
4. Add corn flour/potato mixture, kek zi, spring onions and dash of sesame oil. Mix well
5. Serve hot.
Note: Kek Zi aka known as Wolfberry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfberry
