I always believe that vegetables are the better choice. They feel lighter in the stomach, not shocking the digestive system like instant food that sometimes comes with too many surprises.
Maybe it’s because I grew up with Sundanese food. Sundanese people and vegetables? Meant to be. Some even eat them raw, calling it lalapan.
I’m not that extreme, though. I still think vegetables are friendlier after they’ve met a little oil and seasoning.
Capcay is a traditional Chinese dish packed with vegetables and easy to prepare. I’m eager to try making it this time. Not only because it’s healthy, but also because it won’t stress me out in the kitchen.
Just sauté some garlic, toss in a variety of veggies, then add a touch of oyster sauce and soy sauce. No special techniques or complicated prep required.
Seems like the perfect choice for today: simple, delicious, and the best part—I can still feel like a pro chef without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 carrots, sliced thinly
- A bunch of pakcoy, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking oil for sautéing
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Water or vegetable broth for sauce
Steps:
- Start by heating a little oil in a pan, then sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add in the carrots and cauliflower, sautéing them until they begin to soften.
- Pour in a little water or vegetable broth, followed by the soy sauce and oyster sauce to give it that savory flavor.
- Once everything is nearly tender, toss in the pakcoy. Let it cook for another minute or two.
- If you like your sauce thicker, stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water to create a smooth finish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and it’s ready to serve!
This is one of those recipes where the magic happens without much effort. Just a simple stir-fry, and you've got a warm, comforting dish that tastes like you spent hours preparing it.
And there you have it, Capcay—a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a rainy day, with just the right touch of simplicity and flavor. It’s perfect for when you need something delicious without overcomplicating things in the kitchen.
Big thanks to all the Hive readers for joining me on this little culinary adventure! May your kitchen always smell like your favorite dish, and may you always have a spare pack of soy sauce handy—because we all know that can make or break a meal. Cheers!