Healthy Carrot Kinpira

I found a fantastic blog this weekend called Just Bento.  She posts ideas for complete bentos, as well as many simple and delicious recipes.  I tried (and modified) one of them.  Here is the original recipe.

For mine I cut back on the oil, added more carrots, and some cinnamon.  Here’s my version:

Healthy Carrot Kinpira

Ingredients:

  • 4 large carrots, cut into matchsticks
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • dash of chili pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1.5 teaspoons sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil in a wok/pan over high heat.  Add the matchsticks and cook until they start to get crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
  2. Add the chili pepper flakes and cinnamon.  Toss for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the soy sauce.  Toss some more.
  4. Add the sesame seeds and toss; remove from heat.

Whereas most kinpiras include sugar as an ingredient, it’s unnecessary here.  The carrots are sweet on their own and the cinnamon brings out the sweetness even more.  I hope you enjoy it!

Bobby says, “It was very delicious!  But a little spicy.  But that probably means it’s increasing your metabolism!  I learned that from Maggie.”

19 Replies to “Healthy Carrot Kinpira”

  1. Great modification! totally agree that carrot is sweet enough, so just a little bit of spice will make it delicious!~

  2. Oh yum, that sounds like an awesome combo of sweet & spicy to me! Are they soft when you’re done cooking them or do they still have a crunch to them?

  3. OMG I love kimpira, it was one of my fave foods growing up. I like mine with gobo. I actually wrote a post about it, hope you check it out! :)http://sbfitness.wordpress.com/2008/10/23/eating-branches-authentic-japanese-recipe-for-kinpira-gobo/

  4. I’ve never heard of this before! Chili pepper flakes and cinnamon with carrots? Wow. Sounds spicy, sweet, and savory all at the same time!

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