Imitation whitebait anyone...?

So lately I've had a bit of a hankering for white bait/shirasu (especially this week when I was planning the week's meals and trying to think of something different for a change).

Then I had this idea - eggs + moyashi (mung bean sprouts) = imitation white bait pattie*!

So today...I broke at the fry pan, whisked up a couple of eggs and added a bunch of homegrown moyashi (yes, I grow my own sprouts! Mung bean and brown lentils mostly) annnnnd....

Oooooh! CHOUDAI!!

and.....

Look at that steam!! Mmmmmmmmmmmm!

Verdict: Delicious! Definitely crunchier than real white bait and also obviously, not fishy tasting! If I remember correctly my Dad used to make these with grated potato but I'm thinking - mung bean sprouts - MUCH healthier! Surely? (we'll just overlook how much spread I put in the pan to start....)

For those who are curious to know how to sprout beans/lentils - 'Tis EASY! Buy yourself some mung beans, brown lentils, chickpeas (not sure what else is good - these are the only one's I've tried - I'm guessing red kidney beans would be out though as they are poisonous if not vigorously boiled for 15 mins). Get some old glass jars. Cover beans/lentils with water and leave to soak over night. In the morning tip out the water - cover your jar(s) with a tea towel or muslin cloth if you have it and put in a warm place (hot water cylinder cupboard is good!) - during the day take your jar(s) out and soak your beans/lentils at least twice a day. They sprout pretty fast - you'll probably start to see wee shoots on the 1st or 2nd day. You're supposed to be able to eat them as soon as they've sprouted - this is also apparently when they're at their peak in nutrients and goodness! Keep soaking, rinsing and warming them until they've reached your desired length and then store them in the fridge (personally I never get to this stage as I'm eating them in sandwiches and salads all along the way!)

The little man had some lunch too....one of his favs - "armite oast" (aka Marmite Toast). He clocked out early though....

*It's called a "pattie" even though it's JUST egg - easy - yay!!