Vegetarian Cooking at Fo Guang Shan Monastery

I had driven past the imposing Fo Guang Shan Monastery, just past I-Shou International School, and felt compelled to visit. I was excited to see that the Buddhist Monastery was offering vegetarian cooking classes in English and so joined up. Miao Ming, a Buddhist Monk, originally from Canada, has been living at the monastery for the past five years. She thought it was about time that the Kaohsiung community of ex-pats saw what the Fo Guang Shan had to offer. 

Ms. Wu is the awesome cooking instructor, and a warm hearted nun, our translator. 

During this particular class we made; 

1. Deep-fried Seasoned Beans
2. Celery and Dry Bean Curd
3. Bamboo with Oyster Sauce
4. Stir-fried Asparagus with Gingo
5. Stir-fried Noodles
6. Light Cucumber Soup

Well, Ms. Wu made the soup for us. And we ate it.

First, we learn about all the different ingredients; how to clean them and prepare them for each dish.

Ms. Wu cooks each dish, demonstrating for us. She cooks all of the dishes and we carefully look over each finished dish, admiring the colors and textures.

 Then it is over to us!

A little bit of salt...

Lightly frying the asparagus, gingo and lilly bulbs

Frying the beans

Who said too many cooks spoil the broth? The more the merrier we say!

From back clockwise: Bamboo with Oyster Sauce, Stir-fried Asparagus with Gingo, Celery and Dy Bean Curd

Deep Fried Beans and Stir Fried Noodles

When all the dishes have been cooked, we all head down to the dining room to enjoy our creations. 

I have learnt to cook lilly bulbs and gingo; wash, prepare and cook bamboo; cook and learn about 'veggie lamb' which is made from mushroom stalks; eat a delicious warm cucumber soup and more.

Highly delicious and recommended.