Bengali Style Chow Mein

This Asian inspired Chow Mein became popular in Bengali households during late 80’s. It is mainly prepared with veggies and sometimes eggs are added. As far as I remember during winter months when colorful veggies like bell pepper, green onion, carrot and cauliflower(yes, you heard it right) are easily available and not so expensive made Chow Mein extraordinarily great tasting that was served only with spicy tomato chili sauce on top yet it was optional. Soy sauce was not a pantry ingredient but spicy tomato chili sauce and ketchup were very popular back in the day. Rest of the year for quick lunch box or evening snack Chow Mein was made with potato and onion only and I liked it as is but some people of course wanted  with tomato chili sauce. This Chow Mein brings back lot of memories. I am not sure how many people actually make this way any more but I still do. 

All the veggies are mentioned here are available all year round. In fact any vegetable can be added as per choice. No special spices required, just salt, green chilies and turmeric, that's it. Minced ginger and garlic can be used but I don't use them for this particular preparation. Any types of non fried noodles or chow mein, flat or round can be used. This inexpensive, comforting and delicious Chow Mein takes only half an hour to forty minutes to make for a quick fix meal. Soy sauce and tomato chili sauce can be added as well or serve as is.

Ingredients~

(US customary units)

7 oz.(200 gr.) non fried chow mein or noodle

1 cup potato strips

1 1/2 cups cauliflower cut in small pieces

1 1/2 cups carrot strips

1 1/2 cups bell pepper strips

1/2 cup juliened red onion

2-4 thinly sliced Thai chilies or as per heat tolerance

3/4 cup sliced green onion

4 tbsp +1 tsp oil 

1 tsp salt or as per taste

1/4 tsp turmeric

Method~

Cook Chow Mein with half tea spoon salt until al dente, drain, toss with little oil and set aside. Heat oil in large heavy bottomed or saute pan and stir fry cauliflower and potato first for 3-4 minutes, then add in chili, carrot and bell pepper. Sprinkle salt and turmeric and stir fry on low medium heat until just tender. Add red onion and stir fry for 2 minutes. At last add cooked Chow Mein, green onion and toss everything well. Taste and adjust salt or extra chilies accordingly. Enjoy with or without sauce of your choice.

Happy Cooking!