Chili pepper leaves, often overlooked, are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. These tender, dark green leaves, with their mild, earthy flavor and subtle peppery kick, offer a unique twist to your typical stir-fry. Widely used in Asian and Latin American cuisines, they are a fantastic way to elevate your dishes while providing vitamins and minerals. This simple stir-fry recipe allows the chili pepper leaves to shine, making for a healthy and flavorful side dish or main course.★Ingredients1 tablespoon vegetable oil2 cups chili pepper leaves (fresh or frozen)1 small onion, sliced2 garlic cloves, minced1 tablespoon soy sauce1 small chili pepper (optional for extra heat), finely chopped1 teaspoon sesame oilSalt to tasteA pinch of sugar (optional)★InstructionsPrepare the leaves: If using fresh chili pepper leaves, wash them thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using frozen, thaw them before cooking.Heat the oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.Add the chili pepper leaves: Toss in the chili pepper leaves and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. The leaves should soften but still retain their vibrant green color.
Season: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar (optional) to enhance the flavors. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes.Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or additional soy sauce, depending on your preference.Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a side dish or pair it with rice for a light meal.Tips:For an added protein boost, you can stir-fry the dish with some tofu or chicken strips.You can experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and texture.This recipe can now be posted on your website!