There is a Japanese ‘Mazegohan’ dish called ‘Nappa Gohan’, which is also called ‘Nameshi’ (菜飯). It is a dish of Rice mixed with Green Leafy Vegetable, that can be Daikon Radish leaves OR Turnip leaves. ‘Komatsuna’ is also popularly used. The Green Leafy Vegetable is blanched OR stir-fried, seasoned, and mixed with freshly cooked Rice. Freeze-dried seasoning mix is also available from stores in Japan. But, here in Australia where I live, I need to use whatever substitute I can find. I believe Choy Sum, a Chinese vegetable, is the best substitute. It is easy to find and perfect for this rice dish.

Ingredients

About 200g Choy Sum
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
1/2 teaspoon Dashi Powder *Katsuo (Bonito) OR Kombu (Kelp)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Soy Sauce
2 to 3 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Seeds

Method
  1. Wash Choy Sum very well, and separate stems and green leafy parts. Thinly slice stems and cut green leafy parts into small pieces.
  2. Heat Sesame Oil in a frying pan, cook stems for a few minutes, then add leafy parts, Dashi Powder and Salt. Stir-fry until soft, add Soy Sauce and stir, and remove from heat.
  3. Add Toasted Sesame Seeds and mix to combine.
  4. Mix the stir-fried Choy Sum with freshly cooked Rice, OR you can add it to Rice like ‘Furikake’. *Note: I added some Toasted Nori and extra Sesame Seeds in the above photo.