sesame miso string beans

ok, so I want to at least try to get some recipes in here, since we are trying the nutritional therapy thing, trying to get Katie's immune system in the best shape possible and keep it that way throughout the chemo, plus have some chemo sideeffect friendly recipes to try out, that are still as nutrient-packed as possible..well, we'll see how that goes, but anyway, here was tonight's dinner.

Sesame Miso String Beans

about 6 cups of fresh green or wax beans, trimmed and cut into 2 inches pieces
3 tbsp soy sauce or Bragg's aminos
1 tsp red or other dark miso

1/2 tsp honey

2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Steam the beans for 5-10 minutes or until bright in color but not too soft. Drain and set aside. Toast sesame seeds by heating gently in a dry, preferably cast iron, pan until golden brown and aromatic. Blend the soy sauce/Braggs Aminos, honey, miso and sesame seeds in a small dish. Pour over the beans and toss to coat.

Veggie "Fried" Rice

1 cup dry brown rice

2 cups or so of water

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables or other small veggie mix or greens

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp soy sauce or Braggs

a dash of chile powder

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 egg, optional

Bring water to a boil, add dry rice and cover. Simmer over medium heat for 30-45 minutes, adding more water if necessary, so do this whole step in a rice cooker.

After rice is cooked, heat olive oil in a large skillet, add garlic and saute until garlic begins to soften. Add frozen veggies and toss. Cook until they are mostly thawed. Add cooked rice, soy sauce or Braggs, and seasonings. Toss well and continue cooking for a few more minutes. If using, add the egg and quickly toss to spread evenly throughout the rice. Cook until egg is completely cooked and rice looks moist but not wet or sticky.

Serve with the sesame miso beans on top, with a drizzling of extra sauce.

I was really impressed by the sauce, a nice rich flavor but not too salty when cut with the rice. Always good to find a new use for miso. It is loosely based on a recipe I've had for awhile, but this is a lot simpler. I threw the egg into the rice for protein, since chemo can mess with protein levels...trying to find some easy to eat, quick recipes that pack a punch nutritionally. I would ordinarily use tofu but we've had it a lot this week.

jeez, these entries are bipolar...