Funchoza

Note: while making this salad, think thin. Julienning is a method of food preparation in which the food item is cut into long, thin strips.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare rice noodles according to the package directions. Usually, you just keep it for 10 minutes in boiling water. Take it out and rinse it well in cold water. Cut the noodles with help of kitchen shears to 6″ pieces.

2. Julienne the carrots and cleaned green bell peppers. In a small container, put carrot, bell peppers and garlic. Add soy sauce, lemon vinegar, pinch of chili pepper and mix it well. Put a lid on the container and put it in the refrigerator.

3. In a wok, heat the oil; stir-fry onions for a minute and add ground beef. Add salt, pepper and cumin according to your own taste. On medium-high heat, keep stir-frying the meat for about 5-8 minutes. Add half of the tomatoes and mix until tomatoes are very soft. Add half of the cilantro, mix it once or twice, and turn off the heat. Drain the excess oil with the help of a bigger strainer.

4. In a large mixing bowl, mix all three mixtures above (from #1, #2, and #3). Add remaining tomatoes, julienned cucumber and remaining cilantro. If needed, add more salt and your salad is good to go.