Fat Noods

    

Spring Rolls and Fried "Rice"

    I have always enjoyed a meal. As you probably know from the first two blog posts, food to me is more than just the meal itself, but the communication that surrounds it. So it's not just the eating for me, its the connections made via fork and knife. But as I have grown up I have lost some opportunities for connecting over a meal because of fear. Yes, you read that right. Fear. Now you're thinking, "How can Tanner fear eating??" Well, it's not the eating that gets me but rather the eating in front of other people. I know this concept (it probably has a name but this isn't an informational blog so google it yourself) is common among most fat people I know. Eating in front of others made me uncomfortable my entire life. But it really hit once I got to high school.

     Going out to eat being the "fat" friend subconsciously told myself all eyes were on what I was ordering. So it was simple. I would order something small and healthy. Or often times something I didn't like so people didn't assume "the fat kid is ordering a burger - how unhealthy". Flash forward to anytime I went out to eat with people I didn't know, my typical large appetite would diminish, and I'd opt for the "filling salad". Eating with others was and is, a constant battle with my mind. If you get the unhealthy option you assume everyone thinks that's why you're fat. But get the healthy option, people applaud your commitment to a low calorie lifestyle. When in reality 9.9 times out of 10 no one is paying attention to what you are ordering. But being fat my entire life has engrained the idea that people judge what you eat, and how much of it. And it doesn't help that skinny people eating large portions is seen as "quirky" and "fun". Coming to college I was terrified of having to eat three meals day with complete strangers. I pictured myself eating a salad in the dining hall, and then rushing to my room to eat anything that would fulfill my hunger. I was so self-conscious over a basic human function. I was deceived into thinking people will judge what I eat. I was angry that I couldn't eat a meal without anxiety. But this all changed when Chelsea Cabanada came into my life.

Chelsea and I sipping the tea      

    Okay, so now this is where the blog title comes in. "Fat", referring to Chelsea and I being plus sized. And "Noods" as in Noodles and Company. I promise this is still a family friendly blog. Still doesn't make sense? Keep reading. Chelsea, the first friend I dissed in college, changed the way I view food. And inspired me to love sharing a meal, not fear it. It all happened when one day we went to Noodles and Company for dinner after really not knowing each other yet. And she ordered first. She got an entree and an appetizer. That was when the biggest smile appeared on my face. This was the first time I was out to eat with a friend where "small portions" were thrown out the window. I ordered next and got a full entree and an appetizer for myself. We sat down and I immediately knew this friendship would last a lifetime. Chelsea was the first person I met (other than my fam) that celebrated eating. She ate food to feel full, to fuel her body, not to please someone else's nonexistent assumptions. Our food got to our table and we ate every bite, smiling and laughing and gossiping until there was nothing left. That moment changed the way I felt about eating with others. I didn't feel ashamed, or embarrassed, or judged. Chelsea, without knowing it in the moment, allowed me to accept my body and the fuel it needed. And that is a moment I cannot thank her enough for. Flash forward 4 years and we're still BFF's. And food has always been something we shared. She introduced me into the wonderful world of Asian cuisine with new flavors and techniques. So this week, I dedicate my original recipe to Chelsea Cabanada. Featuring inspirations drawn from her cooking. So I present, "Shrimp Spring Rolls and Cauliflower Kimchi Fried Rice".

What you'll need:

Spring Rolls:

Fresh or frozen shrimp - 6 large pieces

Rice paper

Shredded red cabbage - 1/2 cup

Shredded carrots - 1/2

Crunchy Lettuce - 4 pieces

Minced ginger, to taste

Enoki mushrooms - 1/2 package

Fried "Rice":

2 tbl. veggie oil

1 small red onion, chopped

1/2 yellow onion, minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 cups of cauliflower rice (I use Earthly Choice packs)

1/2 cup kimchi, chopped

2 tbl. rice vinegar

2 tbl. soy sauce

1 tbl. teriyaki sauce

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1 tbl. rice seasoning

1 lime, for garnish

How to do it: 

Spring Rolls:

1. Bring pot of SALTED water to a boil. Boil shrimp for 3-5 minutes. Then boil enoki mushrooms in same pot. Put aside until cool to the touch.

2. Once shrimp has cooled slice them in half long ways.  Separate enoki mushrooms into three equal portions.    

3. Assemble the spring rolls (it's so hard and I'm still not great at it). Wet rice paper fully immersed in water for 15-20 seconds. Then layer in this order: Lettuce, cabbage, carrots, enoki, lettuce, ginger, and shrimp. You roll it it like a burrito. Tuck in the corners and roll so nothing falls out.

4. Enjoy! Can be served with peanut or soy sauce!

Fried "Rice":

1. Mince and chop all veggies and set to the side. Heat 1 tbl. of oil in skillet. Once hot put in both onions. After they are fragrant add in garlic. 

2. Once onions and garlic have started to crisp add in cauliflower rice and the remaining oil. Add seasonings in after you give it a good stir.

3. After 5 minutes of high heat frying, add in soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and rice vinegar.

4. After rice has turned a slight brown color add in kimchi and stir until you like it. I usually do 2-3 more minutes because I like the kimchi crunchy.

5. Plate with spring rolls and garnish with fresh lime juice and Sriracha. Enjoy!

Chelsea aka the best friend ever

    While not a typical fried rice, this lower calorie option packs in the flavor and spice. The cauliflower really takes in any flavor you put in it so the options are endless! Feel free to add in any other veggies in the fried rice. I just did kimchi to highlight Chelsea because she introduced this delicious ingredient into my life. Food is fuel, no matter who you are eating with with. From now on, I do not fear eating with others. Chelsea helped me fall in love with the connections made across the dining table. And I hope after hearing my story, you too can eat anything, with anyone, anywhere.

xoxo,

The Fat Foodie