She Strengthens

A Traditional Chinese New Year Dish: Jai

Jai, a beloved Buddhist vegetarian stew, is a staple dish served on the first day of the Chinese New Year to bring good fortune. This hearty, complex recipe has been passed down through generations, and we’re excited to share it with you.

The Story Behind Jai

Our recipe was inspired by Ruby Tom, a talented cook who learned the art of making jai from a Buddhist teacher in San Francisco. Ruby has been perfecting this dish for over 20 years, serving it to family and friends during special occasions.

Gathering Ingredients

To make jai, you’ll need to visit an Asian grocery store like 99 Ranch. Be sure to pick up the following ingredients:

• Dried shiitake mushrooms (black or dark brown)
• Dried bean curd sticks
• Dried lily buds (also known as golden needles or tiger lily buds)
• Dried black moss (fat choy)
• Dried black fungus (cloud ear or wood ear)
• Deep-fried tofu pockets
• Fried gluten balls
• Ginkgo nuts
• Fresh bamboo shoots
• Canned bamboo shoots
• Napa cabbage
• Baby bok choy or baby bok choy hearts
• Fresh ginger
• Baby carrots
• Snow peas
• Soy sauce
• Steamed white rice (optional)

Special Equipment

While a wok is ideal for cooking jai, you can also use a large frying pan as a substitute. Just be sure to avoid using a nonstick pan, as high heat may damage it.

Game Plan

Before starting, make sure to steam your rice and prepare your ingredients according to the instructions below. This recipe requires about 3 hours of active cooking time, plus 5 hours of soaking time for the dried ingredients.

Soaking and Preparing Ingredients

Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms, bean curd sticks, lily buds, black moss, and black fungus in warm water for at least 5 hours or overnight. Drain and cut the ingredients into manageable pieces.

Cooking Jai

In a large stockpot, combine the soaked and prepared ingredients with vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir-fry each ingredient separately before combining them in the pot. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Adding Final Touches

Stir in the snow peas and season with salt and soy sauce as needed. Serve the jai hot, garnished with steamed white rice if desired.

Tips and Variations

• To make jai more accessible, you can substitute some ingredients with fresh alternatives. For example, use fresh bean curd sticks instead of dried ones.
• Experiment with different seasonings, such as adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the dish a unique flavor.
• Consider serving jai with a side of steamed dumplings or noodles for a more filling meal.

With patience and practice, you’ll be able to create a delicious, authentic jai that will impress your family and friends during the Chinese New Year celebrations.