Going back to work post-vacation is like jumping into a cold pool.
This is my nice, warm-fuzzies “pool” in Verona
I had every intention of posting a wonderful recap of our first full day in Verona; however, I left the office last night at 1:30 AM.
I love the job that allowed me to have a great vacation.
I love the job that allowed me to have a great vacation.
I love the job that allowed me to have a great vacation.
I love the job that allowed me to have a great vacation.
I love the job that allowed me to have a great vacation.
The good news is that I have been cooking! No pasta and meat after the 2 week overload.
Italian restaurants are void of fresh fruits and veggies. I have been in hot pursuit of green food after going so long without. Seriously – the very night I flew into Atlanta I hit the Dekalb Farmer’s Market (a.k.a. veggie heaven). $60 of nothing but fruits and veggies.
I tried my hand at a cabbage stir-fry over the weekend. It was so good that I ate 1/2 a head of cabbage in one sitting. FYI: that may cause gas.
Yes, I did say that I am on a veggie rampage… but this was actually just that good. I think.
The hint of sweetness from the coconut oil played perfectly with the zing from the ginger and the heat from the serrano. Don’t skip the toasted sesame seeds – their crunchy nutty taste really made the dish. It would probably be good with toasted cashews too!
Asian Cabbage Stir-Fry with Lentils
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 T minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 serrano pepper, minced
- 1/2 medium cabbage, quartered, and sliced crosswise
- 1 1/2 T seasoned rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 C cooked green lentils
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp Chinese 5-spice
- S+P, to taste
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and stir-fry until just becoming soft, ~3 mins. Add garlic, ginger, and serrano pepper. Saute for a moment – until fragrant but not cooked, 45 secs – 1 min. Stir in cabbage and stir-fry until beginning to wilt, ~3-4 mins.
Stir in the vinegar, soy sauce, and lentils. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cabbage is tender but retains a slight bite, ~4-5 mins. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and 5-spice. Salt and pepper to taste.
Makes 2 servings.
***
I’m in an all day meeting in Alabama now. Seriously.
How do you get back into the “real” world post-vaca? I need all the help I can get!
What veggies do you crave?
Glad to hear that you had an awesome trip! And trust me, I have a hard time going in to work after a long weekend! Well, I’m glad you’re back, and I’m sure you’ll adjust quickly (looks like you don’t have a choice with your work schedule).
I always find that starting to plan your next vacation helps me! 🙂
xoxo from Trinidad
I totally crave brussel sprouts. #addicted
Lucky me…just purchased some Chinese 5-Spice…. 😉
[Oh and double lucky…it’s vegan!]
I cannot get past the part of this post that says you worked until 1:30 am!
You and me both!
Um, yum, yum, yum. 🙂 i would totaly eat that much cabbage too (and my husband would be MAD). ha ha! Laura- you are crazy lady doing it all! Love it! I need to make this since I have the peppers and the coconut oil. Now I just need to cabbage. 🙂
You look absolutely gorgeous in that photo! I’m sure much more happy and rested than you were leaving the office in the middle of the night!
I have really grown fond of simple vege only stir fries and “pasta” recently. Love the cabbage and lentil version, reminds me of my Mum’s cooking.
Thank you!!!
Something about the fall makes me want stir-fry. In the winter it’s all about the pasta!
I made cinnamon-scented lentils last night! If only I had some cabbage to go with!
YUM! I love the Lebanese fell that cinnamon gives “dinner” dishes. It’s good with green beans and harissa too!
I can’t get over how much I love your hair! Unfortunately, I’m in the opposite position to you right now… “I dislike my work because I can’t take a break to go travelling” 🙁
Thank you!! It was perfect for traveling – no dryer required. 🙂
Amen to a lack of fruits and veggies! Poland was ALL ABOUT the meat too, so I feel like I lived on carbs and cheese for two weeks. Can’t wait to read more about your trip! 🙂
It’s like that all over Europe – I wonder if they think we’re weird eating yogurt for breakfast?
I can’t wait to hear about YOUR trip!
this looks bright and delicious. I have to try this coconut oil everyone is talking about!
You should! It adds a layer of decadence to anything you add it to.
I usually have to have a day or two at home before I am ready to get back to work. If I had just spent 2 weeks in Italy though I might need a full week to acclimate myself back to the Good Ole US (not to mention fill up on fruits and veggies).
Wine… lots of wine… before work, during and after! Should do the trick!! 😉 Absolutely gorge photo btw love!!