Mary’s fab fast feasts: Spinach, cabbage and mushroom stir-fry 

Fresh and flavoursome, this is wonderful on its own or as a side dish with meat or fish. It is also perfect for vegetarians – the mushrooms make it very substantial and are a great substitute for meat.

SERVES 4-6

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

2 tbsp olive oil

a knob of butter

1 onion, thinly sliced

250g (9oz) chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced

200g (7oz) oyster mushrooms, cut in half lengthways

1 garlic clove, crushed

½ hispi cabbage, core removed and leaves shredded (see note)

150g (5oz) baby spinach

• Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan or wok. Add the onion and fry over a high heat for a few minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, then cover with a lid, reduce the heat and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the lid and brown over a high heat for a minute or so until golden. Add the garlic and fry for 30 seconds, then add the cabbage and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing over the heat. Tip in the spinach and toss in the pan until wilted.
• Season well with salt and pepper and serve at once in a large bowl.

COOK’S NOTES 

• Hispi cabbage, also known as pointed cabbage or pointed spring cabbage, is a favourite of mine. With firm leaves that hold their shape in the pan, it stir-fries really well. It also keeps well in the fridge for up to a week – just remove any outer leaves that become a little tired.

PREPARE AHEAD

Prepare the vegetables up to 2 hours in advance. Keep the cabbage fresh in a bag until ready to fry and just tip it straight into the pan.

FREEZE 

Not suitable for freezing.