There are a lot of stems, stalks and tops going down the garbage grinder that could actually be put to use. It’s called “doubling your vegetable dollars,” and it just takes looking at vegetables in new and creative ways. Remember the article on Radishal Solutions?  It talked about a new way to use those radishes that are almost always available and always cheap. I promised some suggestions on using the tops. Here’s one:

Asian Hamburger Skillet

• 1 lb. lean hamburger
• 1 med. red onion, sliced about ¼” thick, then cut into 2” lengths
• 1 bunch radishes, cut in matchsticks (or halved and sliced about 1/8” thick)
• 4 carrots, julienned or cut in ¼” slices
• 1 bunch radish tops, cut roughly into 1” pieces
• 1 ½ tsp. ginger paste
• 2 Tbsp. fish sauce

In a large sauté pan, cook hamburger over medium high heat, until just beginning to brown, breaking into small bits with spatula. Stir in onion and radishes and cook another 2-3 minutes. Stir in carrots, radish tops, ginger paste and fish sauce and cook about 5-10 minutes, until onions are softened and hamburger is cooked through.

• 1 lime (optional)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Sprinkle with lime juice (if using) and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately.