If you are tired of eating the same vegetables—green beans, broccoli, and squash—winter and summer, year-round—there are interesting alternatives to be found at oriental markets, such as the New Oriental Supermarket in Littleton center. These markets often have a variety of fresh vegetables not carried by other grocery stores, and usually carry a variety of Asian sauces, pastes, tofu, spices, noodles, sweets, and more to help you exercise your creative flair in the kitchen.
At this time of year, the vegetables found in local oriental markets are most likely from California. However, during the growing season, they can often be sourced from local farms. On any visit to an oriental market you are likely to find a selection of Asian greens, including bok choy and Chinese water spinach.
Unlike bok choy found in “western” grocery stores, the New Oriental Supermarket carries three sizes: regular, small, and “baby.” The small bok choy is three-to-four inches in length with a small head, while the baby bok choy is slightly smaller, consisting mostly of leaves and a stock with no head. The leaves of the baby variety are similar to baby spinach, and more tender than the larger varieties. One cup of raw bok choy contains only 10 calories and is a good source of calcium and high in vitamins C and A.
Chinese water spinach, or kong xin caj, also known as “empty-hearted vegetable,” resembles dandelions without flowers in appearance, unlike western spinach. I was first introduced to this delicious green at a Chinese restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown, and was delighted to find it at the local Asian specialty market. The long hollow stalk with green leaves holds onto the flavors in which they are cooked. Like bok choy, water spinach is also an excellent source of vitamins C and A, as well as iron and potassium.
Both of these vegetables can be stir-fried or steamed, which are the best methods for maintaining flavor, vitamins, and texture. A quick stir-fry recipe with garlic or ginger is a delightful accompaniment to any beef, chicken, seafood, or noodle entree. Ingredients in the following recipes can be purchased from the New Oriental Supermarket.
