Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Ground Bean Sauce (serves 2-3)

Water spinach is known as rau muống in Vietnamese.  This vegetable is grown throughout Vietnam. I remember my father grew them in our man-made ponds and we would pick them fresh for our meals.  This vegetable is very popular in Asian home cooking particularly in my home.  We have them steamed, stir fried or in soups.  Here in the States this vegetable is expensive and they are not so readily available except in some Asian groceries.  When I come across a fresh looking bunch in the store I often buy some.  My father prefers to cook this simply with garlic and fish sauce or black bean sauce.  This is a very simple dish and it always reminds me of home. 

Ingredients:

1.5 lb  water spinach, cut into 2-inch length, washed and drained
5-6 garlic cloves, smashed with the back of a knife
2 Tbsps ground bean sauce
1 1/2 tsps fish sauce (or according to taste)
1 tsp sugar
2 Tbsps canola oil


Method:

1) Heat oil in a large wok or pan over high heat.
2) Turn heat down to medium high and add garlic, sauté for 1 minute.
3) Add the water spinach, may add part at a time before adding more so to fit into your pan, stir and cook for 10-15 minutes.
4) Cover the wok/pan for 1-2 minutes to cook further.
5) Add the bean sauce, sugar, and fish sauce to taste, stir for 1 more minute.
6) Serve with rice.

rau muống

breaking the stalk into 2 - inch lengths with my fingers
or scissors and throwing away the tough part of the plant

this batch is ready to be washed and drained 

cook in a large wok or pan

the rau muống will wilt to half full when cooked