Black Rice Bowl With Bok Choy and Mushrooms

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cook the rice: Rinse rice well and drain. Put rice in a 2-quart saucepan and cover with 3½ cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn heat to low. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 15 minutes, to continue steaming off heat.

2. Step 2

   As rice rests, cook the mushrooms: Put 1 tablespoon oil in a wide wok or heavy, deep-sided skillet, and place over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add mushrooms, sprinkle with a little salt and stir-fry for about 1 minute, letting mushrooms brown a bit. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside.

3. Step 3

   Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. When oil is hot, add peppers, ginger and garlic, and let them sizzle for 30 seconds or so, without browning. Add soy sauce, sugar (if using) and ½ cup water and turn heat to high.

4. Step 4

   Add greens and stir-fry, mixing well and allowing greens to wilt. The greens should be done in about 2 minutes, but still firm and bright. Add reserved mushrooms and toss to incorporate. Drizzle with sesame oil and turn off heat.

5. Step 5

   Mound a cup of rice in each serving bowl. Surround rice with the greens mixture and sprinkle with scallions.