
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
- Wash Choy Sum very well, and separate stems and green leafy parts. Thinly slice stems and cut green leafy parts into small pieces.
- 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.
- Add Toasted Sesame Seeds and mix to combine.
- 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.

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