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The Chinese settled not only in California at the turn of the century; many went on to Cuba, where some opened restaurants and influenced Cuban cooking.  In Miami, many Cuban dishes have an oriental touch, for instance this favorite, sold at cafes and cantinas everywhere.

Fried Rice  (Arroz Frito)

3 to 4 cups of cooked rice
3 teaspoons cooking oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 ribs of celery, chopped, with 2 or 3 chopped leaves
1/2 cup of leftover ham, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small package of tiny dried shrimps (optional)
2 to 3 green onions (scallions), depending on size
1/2 can of bean sprouts, OR 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 heaping teaspoon chicken soup concentrate, PLUS 3/4 C. water, OR substitute 3/4 C. low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
3 eggs    (Note #1)
cooking spray
soy sauce
marinated tofu cubes (optional)   (Note #2)

Reconstitute the shrimps as per package directions, or simply put to soak in a little boiling-hot water.

Place two teaspoons of oil in a Teflon pan over medium heat.  When hot, add onion and celery.   (If ham isn't cooked already, add the ham now.)   Sauté until the onion is soft but not brown.

Add the minced garlic, bean sprouts and shrimp and continue to sauté. Slice the white part of the scallions thinly, and add to pan.  Add the rice and sauté for about five minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through.. 

Add the chicken soup concentrate and water (or broth) and the green part of the scallion, thinly sliced.   Stir and cook for two or three minutes more.    Gently fold in the shredded egg and the tofu cubes.  

Enjoy!

Note #1:  If cholesterol is a concern, you may substitute one egg white for each yolk you remove.  When taking out all the yolks, you may wish to add some saffron-based seasoning.

Note #2:   Tofu increases the protein content and is highly nutritious.  See recipe for Marinated Tofu Cubes.