P. F. Chang's China Bistro Coconut-Curry Vegetables

Borrowing the flavors of South East Asia, this is a delicious stir-fry of vegetables available year-round. Use a milder or hotter curry powder to vary the spice.

For a really saucy dish to serve over rice or noodles double the sauce ingredients and the cornstarch mixture.

1 small onion, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 small red bell pepper, cubed
1 cup halved mushrooms
4 ounces (3 cups) broccoli
1 cup thinly sliced carrots or whole sugar snap peas

Coconut-Curry Sauce
1/2 cup canned coconut milk*
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons unseasoned rice vinegar or cider vinegar
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water

Separately blanch the broccoli and carrots (or sugar snap peas)until tender-crisp in plain boiling water. Drain and rush under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain again.

Combine the Coconut-Curry Sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust the sugar to your liking.

Heat a wok or wide skillet over high heat until hot. Add the canola oil, swirl to glaze the pan. Then add the onions and bell pepper. Stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the mushrooms and stir until hot, a few minutes more.

Add the blanched vegetables and toss to mix.

Stir the sauce and add it to the pan. Bring it to a simmer, tossing to combine. Stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine and add it to the pan. Stir until the sauce turns glossy, about 10 seconds (a bit longer if you are doubling the sauce).

Add the sesame oil and toss to mix. Serve with rice, noodles or a warm loaf of bread. Serves 2 to 4 people.

*Look for Chaokah brand, sold in Asian groceries. Be sure to stir well to incorporate the solids before using.