Gỏi Bạc Hà Chay (Vegetarian Taro Stem Salad)

Ingredients:
-2lbs bạc hà (taro stems)
-2 carrots
-3 bell peppers
-100g fried tofu
-100g precooked gluten (‘vegetarian mock duck’)
-4 tbs sugar
-3 tbs vinegar
-1 tbs soy sauce
-ngò gai (saw tooth herb)
-vegetarian prawns (optional)
-crushed roasted peanuts
-lá quế (basil)

What to Do:
Cut bell peppers and carrots into thin strips. Mix with sugar and vinegar and salt. Marinate for 20 mins or until veggies are wilted. Peel bạc hà and cut into thin slices. Mix with carrots and bell peppers and drain, squeeze out excess water. Cut tofu and gluten into thing long strips. Stir fry with soy sauce and pepper to taste. Finely chop ngò gai. Mix together prepared carrots, bell peppers, bạc hà with tofu, gluten and ngò gai. Give it a taste to make sure the flavors are balanced. Garnish with prawns, basil, and toasted peanuts.

***Because my vegetarian dishes are prepared with “Buddhist Laws” in mind; besides not using meats and animal products, I do not use garlic, onions, leeks, chives, or any type of alcohol. However, if your main goal is to just avoid meats, feel free to add the any of the ingredients mentioned above to spice up you dishes.***