Bamboo shoots stir-fried with sesame seeds and garlic in a light preparation — a simple vegetarian side dish of Meghalaya using the fresh bamboo shoots of the Meghalayan forests.
Ingredients
300g fresh bamboo shoots — double-boiled and sliced (see Uttarakhand/Tripura bamboo note)
OR 400g tinned bamboo shoots — drained, rinsed and sliced
2 tbsp sesame seeds — dry-roasted
4 garlic cloves — thinly sliced
2 green chillies — slit
1 tbsp mustard oil
1/2 tsp turmeric
Salt to taste
1 tbsp soy sauce
Fresh coriander
Method
If using fresh bamboo: double-boil to remove bitterness as described in previous recipes.
Slice thinly. If using tinned — drain, rinse and slice.
Dry-roast sesame seeds 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil to smoking in a pan.
Reduce to medium-high. Add thinly sliced garlic — fry 1 minute until golden. Add slit green chillies.
Add sliced bamboo shoots. Add turmeric. Toss on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Add soy sauce. Toss well.
Cook 3 to 4 more minutes until the bamboo is slightly golden at the edges and completely tender.
Add dry-roasted sesame seeds. Toss once.
Season with salt. Garnish with coriander. Serve with steamed rice.