Asparagus, broccoli, ginger, and mint stir-fry

Special equipment • wok

SERVES 4

Ingredients:

1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil

2 fresh red chile peppers, seeded and finely chopped

2in (5cm) piece of fresh ginger, sliced and cut into thin strips

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 bunch of scallions (green onions), cut into 2in (5cm) lengths

1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips

1 head broccoli, about 10oz (300g), cut into florets

1 bunch of thin asparagus, trimmed and halved crosswise

1 tbsp granulated sugar

handful of fresh mint leaves

Method:

1 Heat the oil in a wok over mediumhigh heat, and swirl to coat the surface. Add the chiles, ginger, and garlic, and toss for a few seconds, then add the scallions. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until shiny.

2 Now add the bell pepper and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add the broccoli, and stir-fry for a few minutes more, before adding the asparagus. Continue stir-frying for another minute or two until all the vegetables are crisp-tender.

3 Sprinkle in the sugar and season well with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for a few seconds until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the mint leaves. Serve immediately, either alone or with fluffy rice.

Cook’s NoTEs:

Stir-frys require quick work; have all ingredients prepared, chopped, or sliced before starting. You can use your own selection of vegetables just remember to add them in the right order, with the ones that require longer cooking going in first.

Asparagus, broccoli, ginger, and mint stir-fry