Chow Fan

Chow Fan

Lindsay says: I was brought up in Hong Kong and "Chow Fan" was one of our favorite family meals. The recipe I have given here is a very "anglicized" version, and of course you can adapt it endlessly by adding your own family's favorite vegetables and meats - or using up any leftovers. Most children love it, so make it in large quantities!

There are two secrets to a good Chow Fan.

1. Make the rice in advance and leave to cool in the fridge before using. This changes the texture of the dish.

2. Have everything ready to hand before you start cooking, so that you can just throw the ingredients into the pan and stir.

Ingredients (Use quantities to suit your own family's requirements):

Cooked chicken (approximately half a chicken breast each)
Sliced ham or small pieces of bacon
Shrimp or prawns (optional)
Eggs (up to 1 per person)
Frozen peas, defrosted
Onions, finely diced (optional)
Garlic clove, finely diced (optional)
Spring onion, diced (optional)
Pre-cooked and chilled rice (we prefer basmati rice)
Vegetable oil

Instructions:

First, make a simple, flat omelette by whisking the eggs together with a fork and pouring into a frying pan. Swirl to cover the pan and cook gently until set, flipping if necessary. Turn out and then cut into small strips or squares.

Now, find your largest frying pan. Ideally you will need a wok. If you don't have one, a frying pan will do for 2 servings if you are careful. Any more, and you should use another pan!

Add about 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok and add the onion and garlic, if using. Fry for a minute or two, until just turning soft, then add the bacon, if using. If you are using shrimp or prawns and they need cooking, add next. Toss everything around in the wok until lightly cooked.

Now add the other ingredients, starting with the chicken, then the ham, eggs and peas, and finally the rice and spring onions. Stir to combine and until everything is warmed through. Do not overcook.

Serve heaped in small Chinese bowls and sprinkled with soy sauce or maggi seasoning if desired. This is real comfort food!

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