It was really nice seeing my parents this weekend in Houston, I had felt a little homesick since finding out that my mother has decided to retire and will move back to China in the next couple of years. Though it is hard to imagine life without my mother right next to me, we all have to grow up sometime…right? I had quite the adverse reaction when I first heard the news, which she conveniently told me during my lunch break at work of all places (that’s how my mom rolls, abruptly).
With tears (and snot, lots of it) streaming down my face, my bosses thought something horrible had happened. Which at the time, it really did feel terrible. I seldom cry in front of anyone, but because the news was completely unforeseen, I felt as if someone punched me in the stomach and knocked the wind out of me. I know it sounds cliche, but my mother is one of my very best friends. I love her to pieces, even when she has her what I’d like to call her “crazy asian mom moments”, it is so hard to imagine life without her being right beside me. She has always been my rock and the older I become, the more I come to understand (and appreciate) the difficulties of being a good mother.
But I understand this is something she has to do and I completely respect her decision. Sooner or later this was going to happen and maybe this reality check was exactly what I needed to push me to work harder than ever before. I appreciate both of my parents for moving to the United States to provide me with a better future and can’t even begin to wrap my brain around the numerous sacrifices they must have made to ensure that their child will have a better life and future than they did.
Though I have picked a career route that my parents may not deem to be “practical” the more I come to think about it, the happier I am with my decision. I couldn’t possibly imagine myself doing anything else. Food has always been my passion, for many reasons which I will save for another time. I had a friend ask me this weekend “So what is the purpose of your blog? What do you think will come from it?” The reason why I spend so much time on each post is because I know my efforts will be appreciated, sometimes in the most unexpected ways. My purpose is to solely provide a place for everyone to enjoy, whether you use my recipes is not my main concern, but the fact that this place provides you a momentary (and hopefully visually appealing) break from this busy hectic schedule we call life.
I’ve always appreciated the importance of art and music for this very reason — it is able to provide us with a form of escape even on our crappiest days. Whether its blasting your favorite love song that tugs at your heart strings or looking at an awe inspiring painting that brings you to a different world, ultimately it provides us with happiness that otherwise would be lost. So to my dear readers, I thank you guys for reading/looking at my blog, you all are the inspiration for why I started to write this blog and you guys continue to be my drive to keep this bad boy going. I think happiness is best enjoyed when it is shared, don’t you? 
I would also like to thank Eggland’s Best for providing the eggs for this dish. When I went home this weekend, I found out my mother uses your eggs as well! Anyways, even before I volunteered to be a tastemaker for their product, I have always bought their eggs. Their eggs are not only lower in cholesterol than your average egg but somehow they magically pack all of these healthy vitamins along with it too! Because they feed their hens with all natural and all vegetarian feed and they never use antibiotics or hormones, this ensures that the quality of the egg is always fantastic. So thank you Eggland’s Best for providing me with a carton of your awesome and delicious eggs!
For this salad, I decided to roast some vegetables and topped it off with a fried egg and freshly shaved Parmasean. I always fry my egg over easy, but it is important that you always use fresh eggs if you are going to cook them this way. I really love the way the runny yolk pairs with the cheese and field greens and nothing beats the flavor of a roasted red bell pepper.
To roast a red bell pepper it is quite easy. You can either broil all four sides in your oven or blacken them on a skillet as I have shown above. Once you’ve browned all four sides, place it in a bowl and cover with saran wrap. This will help you remove the outer skin of the pepper easiest. Once the pepper cools, simply peel off the outer skin and discard the stem and seeds.
Ingredients for Roasted Vegetable Salad with Fried Egg and Shaved Parmesan:
(serves 2)
- 1 Portobello Mushroom, stem removed
- 1/2 lb Asparagus, ends trimmed off (about 1″)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, roasted (see instructions above) and cut into strips
- 1 Tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Mixed Field Greens
- 1 cup Arugula
- 1/2 cup Spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence, or Basil (dried)
- 1 teaspoon oil or cooking spray
- 2 Eggs
- Parmesan cheese, shaved for garnish
- salt pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400F.
In a large baking sheet coat the asparagus with the 2 tablespoons of oil along with the garlic and dried herbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Heat an iron skillet on medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Sear the portobello mushroom, about 3 min on each side and place in the oven with the asparagus until tender.
Meanwhile, mix your greens in a large bowl with salt and pepper and place the tomato slices on each plate. Heat a medium saucepan on medium heat with 1 teaspoon of oil or cooking spray. Cooking one egg at a time, crack an egg onto the pan once heated. Cook until the whites are almost solidified, about 3-4 minutes, and carefully flip the egg over using either a spatula or the magic flick of the wrist (I do not recommend using magic if you have no tried it before) and finish cooking on the other side, about 1 minute. Repeat with other egg.
Take your roasted vegetables from the oven and cut the asparagus 3 ways and thinly slice the portobellos and bell pepper. Place vegetables over the greens and top with the fried egg. Garnish with the shaved Parmesan, placing as much as you prefer. Serve immediately.
Price of Items:
- 1 Portobello Mushroom – $1.50
- 1/2 lb Asparagus – $ 1.50
- 1 Red Bell Pepper – $1.00
- 1 Tomato – $0.33
- 3 cup Mixed Greens – $1.10
- 2 Eggs – $0.67
- Parmesan cheese – $0.50
Cost Per Serving: $3.30
36 Comments
The salad is beautiful. The earthy flavors go so well together.
Don’t worry about your mother moving back to China, it’s a phase we all go through (usually it is the other way around, in my case at least). Getting married has increased my distance from my family. Though it is hard, we make it work and look forward to seeing each other when we can.
Nadia, thank you for your comfort — you are right, distance does make the heart grow fonder! Granted it will take some adjusting, with my wonderful friends and Collin’s family I am sure everything will be okay
Thank you for your words!
You know what, this is really impressive. I’ve been just looking at the pictures of the food for a while but I never really took the time to really read the blog (sorry! :-p) but you have really blossomed (is that spelled right?) into a wonderful writer! Don’t worry about your mom…when you go visit her in Shanghai I’m sure that we’ll randomly run into each other in the market again!
Aw ge ge you are so sweet
I was so happy when I read your comment!!!!! Thank you for your comment, I have been trying to spend more time on my writing so it means a lot that you’ve noticed. You are the best 
And you’re right, whenever we go to China we shouldn’t tell each other because fate apparently makes us bump into each other all the time 
Lovely salad and pictures! I really like the combinationof vegetables.
It is hard not to have mom right by our side but we learn to cope. I have not seen my mom for the past 4 years. Hope to visit her real soon.
WOW! Four years is quite a long time
Hopefully you will see her soon. You are right, we all have to learn to cope without our parents — apparently it’s all part of this whole “growing up” thing I’m still getting use to hahaha 
Thank you for your kind words!
more reason to be able to visit china! the last time i lived near my mom was 1997…it just makes the moments you see each other more precious. your salad is my idea of perfection. LOVE it.
G thank you very much for your words. You are right, it really does make the moments you see each other more precious — and I guess it gives me an excuse to visit China more often
Good news is, you must have shown independent enough to your mother.
Nice shots again!
Aw thanks
I never thought I’d see the day where my mother actually would stop worrying for once, you are right, it is good news!
Very impressive dish Joy! Just love it!
Don’t be sad, you can always visit your mom or through internet.
Anncoo you are right, it will definitely give me an opportunity to visit my mom in China — unfortunately she does not know how to use the internet hahaha but hopefully she will learn before she leaves
Thank you for the kind words!
Sorry that your mom is moving away. This is tough, but it should warm your heart to know that she will be happier.
Thanks Christine
It was definitely much easier to deal with once I realized how happy she’d be once she is back in her home, she truly deserves it after working so hard here in the states!
My husband loves to break open the runny yolk with bread and then dip the bread in runny yolk!
Your husband is a smart man!! hahaha it is such a great combo
Awwww….so sorry to hear your mom will be moving back
I know how it feels. I’m so far away & really miss my mom. A big giant hug from me, Joy! Enjoy whatever time that you still have with her. And you can still visit her when she goes back. Take a long leave! Love this smple and healthy dish. I can eat a big portion. Always love to read your posts. They always make me smile. Keep up your amazing work.
Thank you Mary
I always look forward to your comments because even though we have never met, you always bring me a sense of comfort. I will definitely make the best of the time I have left with her!
This is a very touching post. I know that most daughters consider their mom their best friend. It’s different with my case. But your parents did give you a bright future in the States and you can always go back to China for a visit. I could stay right now that you are an amazing daughter and therefore you are an amazing person as well. I always love fried eggs on top of anything. There’s something about it.
It’s a good thing we found each other’s blog and inspire each other. And your talent is meant to be shared to the whole world and I appreciate you for that. Hugs.
Divina!!! Your comment made me misty eyed
Thank you very very much for this comment it truly touched me. I am very very glad I found you and have gradually began to know you through your blog and comments — you are quite an inspiration to me with your wonderful photography and all of the useful information you always provide about nutrition and food. *Big Hugs back* You’re the best!
This is so beautiful, Joy. My mother is also my dearest friend and I am sorry to hear yours is moving far from you. This recipe sounds delicious.
Thank you for your comfort and words of kindness Laura
When people grow older, they’ll think of their hometown and their family members more often! And wanted to spend more time to be with them. And that’s why my hubby does not accept the job offer from England a couple of years ago. We both wanted to stick close to our families. Those are priceless! Don’t worry, you can fly back to visit them anytime. Right?
Kristy — you are right, my mother really misses Shanghai and being with the rest of her family. I am happy with her decision and know that she will be so happy
I can definitely fly back and visit anytime, so it’s a good thing in the end!
My parents have always been nearby, so I can only imagine what you’re going through! But perhaps this will only serve to intensify the quality of the time you DO spend together – and just be prepared for some high phone bills! Thank you for blogging and doing what you do – your photos and your food is gorgeous! This salad literally is making me drool.
Alta — thank you for your wonderful words. You are right, this move will help me appreciate and realize how precious each moment in our lives can be
And thank you for doing what you do as well, your fearlessness to try all different types of cuisine is an inspiration to me., so thank you for that!
I can sympathise with the ‘crazy asian mum’ moments but we do love our mums. It’s not the same without them. Hope your mum has a safe journey back and I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’re so very loved! Beautiful dish and thank you for writing this foodblog I recently discovered. x
Hahaha I am so glad you feel me on the crazy asian mom moments, because they are seriously SO INTENSE hahaha. Thank you for your well wishes and your comforting words
I am glad we have recently met, because your blog is wonderful!
Awwww… what a heartwarming post! I love how you said “crazy Asian mom moments” because that is so so true!
And my mom “rolls abruptly” as well. I think it’s another Asian mom thing
Dhale, thank you for feeling me on the crazy asian mamas hahaha I don’t know why our mom’s are so abrupt and though initially it always makes me freak out, in the end I can do nothing but sit back and laugh! hahaha as crazy as they can be, you can’t help but love them to death
Oh that is a great looking salad, Joy!
Thank you very much Sook!!!
Hi Joy! Am so sad to hear that your parents will be heading back to China shortly, but at the same time, I am very happy for them! I am sure that they are FILLED with mixed emotions and that this decision was incredibly difficult to make. It probably means more than the world to them that you are such a wonderful person and understanding daughter! Also, this salad is beautiful and so is your photography. Please continue to write about your wonderful creations!
Patty, thank you for this wonderful comment — you are such a kind and wonderful person
I really appreciate your kind words and I am sure this was not an easy decision for my mother to make, but I am happy she is making it. I know it will make her so happy to be home again and also to be close to her mother. Thank you again for your comment, it really means a lot.
oh, me and my mom dont really get along, and so i’ve moved out to live myself since i was very young. but, the only thing i’m very sure of is, now i’ve become a mom, i know it’s hard for your mom to be away from you too. no matter whatever it turns out after, i believe you will find the value out of it which would enrich your life.
back to food. this kind of salad is always my top choice for brunch…..in a bistro though. not a home made one. yours is unbelievably awesome.
Lulu, thank you for your wisdom — you are definitely correct, I will be able to learn and grow from this experience in many ways that will enrich my life and make me a stronger person. Ethan is lucky to have such a loving and wonderful mother like you
Thank you for your kind words, and thank you for making me smile!