Thunder Tea Rice - Hakka Lei Cha

What is Thunder Tea?

Thunder Tea Lei Cha, also known as Thunder Tea Rice, is a popular and healthy dish from the Hakka community. It's becoming more popular, especially in vegan and vegetarian restaurants minus the fish and shrimp. It is a flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, tofu, and a green tea soup that is packed with nutrients and has a unique taste from the herbs that sets it apart from other rice dishes.

Why should I eat it?

Along with the great taste, a plate of Thunder Tea also provides many health benefits. It is high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and reduces the risk of heart disease. The green tea soup is rich in antioxidants, protecting the body from harmful free radicals and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, being low in fat, Thunder Tea Lei Cha can help promote weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.

I can't get something can I still make it??

The nice thing about Thunder Tea is that most of the ingredients are easy to find in your local supermarket. While some of the traditional ingredients like mugwort and basil may be harder to find, most green vegetables can be easily substituted with whatever you have on hand. For example, if you can't find water spinach or bok choy, you can use spinach or kale instead. And if you're following a vegan diet, you can substitute the shrimp and fish with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. These options will add a similar texture and protein content to the dish, while still keeping it plant-based. With a few ingredient substitutions, you can still enjoy this great dish.

Ingredients:

Garnishes

200g (7 oz) Choi Sum

200g (7 oz) White Cabbage

200g (7 oz) Long Beans

100g (3.5oz) Firm Tofu

4 cups Cooked Rice

2 Tbsp Pickled Radish

1 Tbsp Dried Shrimp

1 Tbsp Dried Anchovies

6 Garlic Cloves

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Sugar

1 Tbsp Cooking Oil

Tea Soup

Water

2 Tbsp Dried Tea Leaves

2 Tbsp Peanuts (reserve half for garnish)

30g (1/2 cup) Coriander

30g (1/2 cup) Mint

30g (1/2 cup) Thai Basil

Instructions:

To make the green tea soup, steep the green tea leaves for 30mins in hot water, then drain and blend with the peanuts, basil, mint, and coriander in a food processor or blender until smooth.

In a separate pan, stir-fry the vegetables seperately until they are slightly tender.

Fry the tofu and then the shrimp, fish and garlic seperately until brown.

Serve the cooked white rice in bowls and top with the stir-fried vegetables and garnishes.

Mix the soup 50/50 with hot water. Pour the green tea soup over the rice and vegetables, and sprinkle with roasted peanuts.

Mix everything together and enjoy.