Fried rice

Not many dishes are as simple, comforting and quick to make as fried rice. Originating in China as a way to savour leftover rice, this dish has spread throughout Asia, evolving into many regional variations that capture the best of this culturally rich continent. From sweet and spicy Indonesian Nasi Goreng to fresh and tangy Thai Khao Pad - fried rice is a simple yet diverse dish, which makes it so popular.

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Fried rice originates as a leftover dish, which is also one of its keys to success. Using day-old rice, which is drier, will avoid clumping and ensure a great texture, making it not only tastier but also giving it a better mouth feel. Day-old rice is also a better carrier of the flavours of the sauces as it can take up more of it than fresher, more moist rice. 

Disclaimer: This is not for the weak-hearted ones out there. If you're sensitive to violence and blood, please skip this section: skip.

Why is she not listening?

Why is she not following?

"Let go", I think I yell at her, but the words are not leaving my intoxicated body. 

When she doesn't move as I wish, I use brute force - make her wish she has moved before when I asked her to.

My hand slips into my pocket and fishes out my flat keys. It takes me several tries before I succeed - the alcohol makes my movements uncoordinated, turns even the simplest task into a surgical procedure. 

When I finally feel the cold metal between my fingers, I step up towards the door, insert the keys and lean against the heavy metal door with my full weight, pushing it open.

I drag her inside and yank her up the stairs, her head banging on each step with a loud clunk.

Her body's twisting, tries to free herself from my tight grip. In vain. I have the upper hand - am stronger than her.

Her sharp nails sink into my skin - scratch me bloody.

This bitch is starting to annoy me.

"Stop it", I try to yell at her again, but nothing but slurred speech leaves my body.

She bores her nails deeper and deeper into my skin - more and more blood drips down my arm onto the staircase floor.

Fucking hell. This hurts like shit. 

I finally have enough and let go of her, only to take one step away, strike out and kick her head like a football with all my strength.

A loud crack echoes through the staircase.

Finally: silence.

I pick her up, open my entrance door and carry her inside.

The next morning, I wake up. Sober. For the last time in my life.

Do you dare to go on a flavourscape to your favourite travel destination to forget yesterday’s regrets? Then grab your wok pan and discover the taste of Asia together.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of rice (prepared the day before, should yield around 3 cups of cooked rice)

• Shredded carrots

• Bell pepper

• Broccoli/ Asparagus broccoli

• Onion

• Garlic

• Soy sauce

• 200 g of protein of your choice (I used mock duck to keep it vegetarian)

• (Mushroom sauce - if you want a little more umami flavour to it)

• 2 eggs

• Salt

• Pepper

• Spring onion

• Sesame seeds

Method

1. Cook the rice - preferably this has already been done the day before.

2. Cut all the vegetables and the mock duck.

3. Prepare the scrambled eggs. Crack the eggs open, whisk until whites and yolk are thoroughly combined and cook over medium heat while folding and stirring the eggs every few seconds.

4. Put the egg to the side.

5. Fry the onion together with the garlic. Put the onion to the side of the pan. Add the protein and fry until it’s completely cooked. Set aside the pan and add the broccoli, then fry for 1-2 minutes. Proceed until all the veggies are fried.

6. Then add salt, pepper and soy sauce. Give it a good stir and fry for another minute before folding the rice in.

7. Lastly, add the eggs and mix well. If you want, you can add some of the mushroom sauce now to give it some extra umami flavour. 

8. Serve, sprinkle with spring onion and sesame and enjoy.

Enjoy!