8 Minute Fried Rice...perfect for the whole family!

Even as a food-a-holic I know that sometimes it's hard to feel inspired, difficult to get motivated and tiring trying to think of something new but simple in the kitchen! When kids are thrown into the mix it gets even trickier. Those little munchkins can be fussy, picky, whingy and unpredictable. What they love one day they don't like the next. And when you throw into the mix our busy lifestyles  meal times can be an absolute nightmare!

Well here's a little dream to help you get through.....my healthy and nutritious but still delicious "8 Minute Fried Rice".

You'll Need:
*1 tbs olive, sunflower or peanut oil
*2 x 250g pkts 90 second brown rice
*175g short cut rindless bacon (chopped roughly)
*1 x 400g bag of ready made coleslaw (or the same amount of grated carrot & finely sliced cabbage)
*150g or a large handful of fresh bean shoots (or substitute for canned)
*2 eggs (lightly beaten)
*1/3 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
*1/3 cup frozen peas
*1 tbs kecap manis (sweet soy)
*1 tbs soy sauce
*1 tbs sweet chilli sauce

To Make:

1. Cook the rice in the microwave according to the packet directions.
2. Heat a large heavy based frypan or wok over medium high heat for a minute and add the oil.
3. Throw in the bacon and stir occasionally until just browning.
4. Add the rice and mix to coat the outsides of the rice with the oil. Try to separate any clumps of rice.
5. Add the coleslaw and beanshoots and combine.
6. Add the corn and peas and mix through well.
7. Stir through the sauces and combine well.
8. Stir until coleslaw just started to wilt and soften.
9. Make a well or hole in the centre of the pan and pour in the beaten egg. Allow to cook for about 20 seconds and then stir through. The heat of the rice will cook the egg.
10. Serve as a side to some fish, chicken or beef or on it's own with a drizzle of extra kecap manis if desired.

This recipe is also fantastic cold as a great lunch idea to take to school or work. Simply place any leftovers in a sealed plastic container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. It makes a great alternative to a sandwich and is just as delicious cold.

I also often make a batch and divide between some plastic take-away containers and place in the freezer for when you need a quick snack or lunch.

You can substitute white rice for the brown rice but as brown rice is less refined it is healthier for us and will make you feel full for longer because the body takes longer to break it down. Once the sauces are mixed through the white rice looks brown anyway so your kids won't know the difference.

Give it a try and I promise it will become a regular lifesaver from the common kitchen nightmare!

Til next time,
Chin chin xx

PS The coleslaw mix I use has spring onions, celery mixed through the usual carrot and cabbage for a little extra veggie variety.