In China, ba (eight) is a lucky number because it sounds like the word fa, which means "to become wealthy." For this eight-ingredient dish, Han Feng stir-fries three types of mushrooms with scallions, green chile, bean sprouts, tofu and apple, then seasons the dish with softened tea leaves. More Healthy Asian Recipes
How to Make It
In a cup, pour the 1 tablespoon of boiling water over the tea; let steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea, reserving the leaves.
In a small, heatproof bowl, soak the wood ears in the remaining 1/2 cup of boiling water until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain well. Cut off any hard bits; slice the wood ears into thin strips.
Set a wok or large skillet over high heat for 3 minutes. Add the oil and when it begins to smoke, add the shiitake mushrooms and chile and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the chile is browned, about 2 minutes. Add the scallions and apple and stir-fry until the apple is almost tender, about 2 minutes. Add the wood ears and straw mushrooms and stir-fry until sizzling, about 2 minutes. Add the tofu and the tea leaves and stir gently until sizzling, about 2 minutes longer. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Fold in the bean sprouts. Mound the vegetables on small plates and serve.
