Lunch: Vegetable Bibimbop

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Sesame Seeds, Spinach

Health benefits of Vegetable Bibimbop

Sesame seeds help with progesterone balance. Lignans found in in sesame seeds help to prevent excess estrogen production. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

1/2 pound spinach, large stems removed
1 cup mung bean sprouts
1 medium carrot, cut into 2-by-1/2-inch strips
1 medium zucchini, cut into 2-by-1/2-inch strips
2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded, caps thinly sliced (1 cup)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
2 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup shredded red-leaf lettuce
2 scallions, cut into thin matchsticks
One 8-inch-square nori (dried seaweed), cut into thin strips with scissors
2 large eggs (optional)
Steamed Rice
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Korean Chili Sauce
Salt

Instructions

Steam the spinach until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain, squeeze dry and chop coarsely.
In a small saucepan of boiling water, blanch the bean sprouts for 30 seconds. Drain and refresh the bean sprouts under cold running water; pat dry.
Put the bean sprouts, spinach, carrot, zucchini and shiitakes in separate small bowls; toss each vegetable with 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
In a small skillet, stir-fry each vegetable separately (except the spinach) over moderate heat; the carrot, zucchini and bean sprouts should stay crisp and the shiitakes should be tender. Decoratively arrange the cooked vegetables, lettuce, scallions and nori in small bowls or in piles on a platter.
In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Crack in the eggs and fry them, sunny side up. Meanwhile, reheat the rice if necessary.
Bring the rice to the table with the vegetables and the fried eggs. Toss the rice with the eggs first, to break them up, then add all of the vegetables and the toasted sesame seeds. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of Korean Chili Sauce and mix lightly but thoroughly. Season with salt and serve at once.