Galloping Horses - Vegetarian Version

Directions

Using a blender or mortar and pestle, blend the garlic, cilantro roots, sake and peppercorns into a paste.

Add the vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat.

Add the paste and stir-fry until the aroma is released, a few seconds.

Add the shiitake and stir-fry until cooked.

Add all the seasonings and fry until the sugar is blended into the mixture.

Remove from the heat and let cool.

Slice pineapple into ½ inch thick rings and then cut the rings into ½ X 1½ inch chunks.

Put a small amount of the cooled stir-fry mixture on each pineapple chunk.

Decorate each “horse” with a few slivers of chili and a cilantro leaf.

VARIATION: Replace the pineapple with either navel oranges or firm avocado slices.