Chinese Meatballs and Rice

Let me start with a disclaimer...this is not Chinese food for grown ups. It is instead, a very kid friendly Chinese style supper. Meatballs (with water chestnuts, soy sauce & scallions), rice (with toasted sesame seeds and scallions) and green beans with a peanut butter dipping sauce. I think this could easily get dressed up with some extra spices or sauce for the grown up palate though.

I got this recipe from C is for Cooking....Recipes from the Street. If you're in the market for a kids cookbook, this Sesame Street cookbook is a good one. It's well organized, has lots of useful tips and wonderful recipes (Cookie Monster's me-love-mini-meatloaves are great too).

My son really liked this dinner, especially since he got to use chopsticks!! The only thing missing were the fortune cookies....next time.

Close-up

My son's plate

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 pound ground pork or turkey
6 water chestnuts, finely diced
2 scallions, minced
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. roasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

In a large bowl combine the first five ingredients. Shape the meat mixture into small balls. I used a Tbsp. to scoop out even amounts. This will make about 24 mini meatballs.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Then add the meatballs, stirring often, till browned on all sides. Cover and cook until meatballs are no longer pink in the center. Keep warm till ready to serve.

Scallion Rice

1.5 cups jasmin rice
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Cook rice according to package directions. Add scallions and sesame seeds. Toss well to combine.

Green Beans with Peanut- Soy Dipping Sauce

1 pound green beans rinsed and trimmed
1/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter
2 tsp. soy sauce
3/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

In a large pot, steam or boil green beans til tender crisp. drain.

In another pan combine peanut butter, soy sauce and water. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until sauce thickens. Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the sauce.