Since I started gardening last year, I get very excited when my fruits & veggies are ready to harvest; it always makes me want to plant more.  The greatest thing about growing a garden is the feeling of accomplishment to know I grew my own food.  There is nothing better than being able to make dinner from your very own garden.  On this evening, my modest bounty consisted of one small eggplant, three mini sweet red bell peppers, one mini sweet yellow bell pepper, two hot peppers, Sweet basil, and Thai Basil.  That’s it.  That is all it took to inspire a meal.  I am feeling like Thai food tonight.  And what Thai dish loves basil, well a lot, but my choice for dinner is Drunken Noodle, drunken noodle extra (with the bell peppers & eggplant).  This dish will require dried rice noodles and a few Asian condiments that are usually in my pantry. 

Oyster Sauce – Check

Fish Sauce – Check. I wonder when this expires, 2022; well, that’s a very long shelf life.

Soy Sauce – Always check

The other staples of sugar, onions, green onions, and garlic, check, check, and check.

I was already excited about this dish just looking at the ingredients.  

A quick fry of the garlic, onions, and hot peppers (don’t let the small size deceived you, they are very hot), add the other vegetables and the soaked noodles and give it a toss or two.  I add in the pre-made sauce and save the basil for last.  Delicious!  The internet and Pinterest have endless recipe ideas for whatever suits your tastebuds; I am grateful to have options to continue through my vegetarian journey.  People often ask if I miss eating meat, and I can honestly answer no.  My world has opened up to options I never know existed.  I take the time to find alternatives now because I have chosen to no longer indulge in meat.  I use a lot of regular recipes and substitute the meat with vegetables.  After a meal, I feel satisfied and not sluggish.  As long as my garden stays fruitful, I will continue to grow ingredients for my breakfast, lunch and, dinners. Find the full recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/pad-kee-mao-thai-drunken-noodles.