BOK CHOY
About.com tells us that bok choy is classified as a cabbage. Cultivated in China since ancient times, bok choy is found in soups and stir-fries, appetizers and main dishes. Bok choy's popularity comes from its light, sweet flavor, crisp texture and nutritional value. Not only is bok choy high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium, but it is low in calories.
Mention the word bok choy, and most of us think of the plant with dark green leaves; however, in Hong Kong over twenty varieties are available. You can also find Shanghai or baby bok choy, a miniaturized version of bok choy, at Asian markets. Cookbook author and television show host Martin Yan notes that westerners have a "bigger is better" philosophy when it comes to Chinese vegetables. The opposite holds true in China, where the smaller varieties are valued for their tenderness. An added benefit is that recipes often call for them to be cooked whole, reducing preparation time.
Yet another member of the bok choy family is choy sum or bok choy sum. Distinguishable by its light green leaves and tiny yellow flowers, choy sum - also known as Chinese flowering cabbage - is the cream of the bok choys. Grocers normally sell only the trimmed leaves and stalks of choy sum instead of the whole plant. Expect to pay more for it, in the same way that celery hearts are more expensive than a celery bunch. You may even find choy sum called bok choy sum hearts; in Asian Vegetables, Bruce Cost notes that the word sum in Cantonese literally means heart.
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Roasted Bok Choy
Heat oven to 400
Halve bok choy, toss with olive oil, kosher salt & pepper
Spread in single layer on cookie sheet
Roast until leaves are crispy & begin to blacken (8-10 minutes)
**this recipe can also be done on the grill**
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