Vegan Bites: Black Fungus Salad

 Black Fungus

Black fungus is also known as Wood Ear and fairly popular in Chinese cuisine.

At least in the wet markets and local grocery's. 

It has a meaty, chewy texture and many health benefits, for those who promote fungus-eating!

http://www.chinesefoodhealth.com/2008/04/19/black-fungus-a-vegetable-that-works-as-meat/ 

http://www.dobbyssignature.com/2012/06/black-fungus-health-benefits-anticancer.html

We buy ours dried and re-hydrate it in boiling water.

During our vacation in Hangzhou, the hotel served an amazing wood ear salad. 

Far too spicy for the kiddies, but very yummy for mommy!

I searched online for a similar recipe and came up with this concoction that fit the bill.

Spicy Wood Ear Salad

~3-5 cups rehydrated black fungus

~2-5 T olive oil (or spicy sesame oil)

~3 cloves garlic, finely minced

~handful of cilantro, finely chopped

~7-10 sprigs spring onion

~2-3 fresh red chili's

~salt to taste

Mix together, finely chopped veg, salt and oil.

Re-hydrate black fungus in double amount of boiling water.

Toss and cool in refrigerator.