Radishes with Minced (Soy) Meat

Today, I finally moved out of Sweden!!!
Well, technically, yes, in reality, barely started. Just signed the contract to move all the way across the bridge into my new little Copenhagen flat. Not too far, I know, but this is a completely new experience for me. New life and new recipeeees :-)

Sweden had its downsides, just as any other city. The worst was that the alcohol was (is) state-owned. You can only get over-priced beers or wines only a few hours per day in special alcohol stores (called System Bolaget) that were, on purpose, closed on weekends! (Ok, open on Saturdays 10:00 - 12:00 - nightmare, some people barely get out of bed)...

Therefore, even buying a simple harmless cooking! ingredient such as rice wine was NOT acceptable :-( And System Bolaget didn't have it anywayyyy :-( HOW on Earth am I supposed to cook Chinese food? This was a year round dilemma and my craving for good home-made Chinese was immense. So, once, finally on my B-day, I got 2 bottles of this goodness. And, oh boy, did I go nuts for Chinese Food :-)

You should have seen me:

Day1:
- What´s for dinner, babes?
- Chinese food.
- Fab :-)

Day 2:
- What´s for dinner, honey?
- Chinese food.
- Cool :-)

Day 5:
- What´s for dinner, sweets?
- Dunno, something Chinese
- G-g-great :-/

Day 8:
- Are we having Chinese Foooood a-gaiiiin? :-(
- Yes, baby, we are :-)

RADISHES AND MINCED MEAT STIR-FRY:
(罗伯炒肉)

• 100 g minced meat (I used soy mince)
• 1 bunch red radishes
• 1/3 cup cucumber, cut into very small cubes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 spring onion
  
• 1/2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp rice wine
• oil for frying

Heat the pan over high flame, add some oil and fry the halved or quartered radishes. Sprinkle them with salt right away, so they release some water as soon as they absorb the heat. Fry them for 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
In a different pan fry the minced meat in some oil. Once pale in color, add chopped cucumber, onion, garlic, ginger and chili flakes. Fry for another minute.
Add the radishes and mix well. Add the cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water, soy sauce and rice wine. Adjust the salt to taste and serve while hot.

This is my version with using re-hydrated soy mince (this one in particular was canned variety) - full of protein and low in fat. My contribution to JFI: Soya, a monthly event started by Indira of Mahanandi, this time hosted by Sia of Monsoon Spice.