Lotus root is a low-fat food with high nutritional value. It can be eaten raw, steamed, stir-fried, or used in soups. Here are a few delicious recipes for you to try.
Lotus root has a sweet and crisp texture and is smooth to the bite, making it a favorite among many people. It is rich in nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, various vitamins, and minerals. It can be eaten as a fruit or used as an excellent ingredient in cooking. When preserved in sugar as a candied snack or processed into lotus root powder, it takes on a unique and special flavor. Let's explore how to eat lotus root for the most nutritional benefits.
The medicinal properties of lotus root are quite remarkable. Legend has it that Emperor Xiaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty cured his dysentery by drinking fresh lotus root juice infused with hot wine. Li Shizhen, in his "Compendium of Materia Medica," referred to lotus root as the "spiritual root," describing it as sweet, cold, and non-toxic, and considered it an excellent remedy for removing stasis and promoting the production of body fluids.
Raw lotus root can clear heat and moisten the lungs, and cool the blood to resolve stasis.
Cooked lotus root can strengthen the spleen to whet the appetite, stop diarrhea, and secure essence.
For the elderly, regularly eating lotus root can regulate the middle jiao to improve appetite, nourish the blood and replenish the marrow, calm the spirit, and strengthen the brain, contributing to a longer life.
For postpartum women, it is generally advised to avoid raw and cold foods, but lotus root is an exception because it helps to resolve stasis.
For patients with tuberculosis, lotus root has the effect of clearing the lungs and stopping bleeding, making it the most suitable food for them.
Those who don't like eating it raw can also stew it with chicken or meat, which can be both nourishing and therapeutic. In particular, lotus root powder is nutritious and easy to digest, making it an excellent supplement suitable for women, children, the elderly, and the weak. It is often consumed by mixing it with boiling water. Long-term consumption can calm the mind, improve appetite, nourish the marrow and blood, and promote a light, long life.
So, how is lotus root prepared for the most nutritional benefits?
Lotus Root Pearl Balls
Ingredients:
Half a pound of pork mince, one lotus root, a handful of glutinous rice, 2 spoons of glutinous rice flour, a small piece of ginger, salt to taste, 1 spoon of MSG, 2 spoons of cooking wine.
Instructions:
1. Chop the pork and ginger into a mince and set aside.
2. Soak the glutinous rice in water for 30 minutes; drain the glutinous rice and set aside.
3. Peel the lotus root and grate it into a fine pulp.
4. Mix the pork mince, lotus root pulp, and glutinous rice flour evenly. Season with cooking wine, salt, and MSG and mix well.
5. Roll the mixture into balls with your hands, then roll them in the glutinous rice until they are fully coated.
6. Place the balls in a steamer and steam over high heat for 40 minutes.
Crispy Fried Lotus Root Balls
Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root
Ingredients:
One lotus root, appropriate amount of glutinous rice, a small handful of dried osmanthus, 100 grams rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Wash the glutinous rice and drain the water.
2. Wash the lotus root and cut a small piece off near the node to use as a cap.
3. Rinse the holes of the lotus root clean.
4. Stuff the glutinous rice into the holes of the lotus root.
5. Once full, place the cap back on and secure it with toothpicks.
6. Place the lotus root in a pot, add enough water to cover it, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Add rock sugar and dried osmanthus, and simmer on low heat for 2 hours. Slice the cooked lotus root and serve. Alternatively, pan-fry the sliced lotus root until slightly golden on both sides and sprinkle with some sugar before eating.
Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root
Pan-Fried Lotus Root Sandwiches
Ingredients: 200 grams of pork mince, 2 lotus roots, one bowl of flour, 2 shiitake mushrooms.
Seasonings: 1 spring onion, a small piece of ginger, 4 cloves of garlic, salt to taste, 1 spoon of sesame oil.
Instructions:
1. Mix flour with water to form a batter. Finely chop the shiitake mushrooms, spring onion, ginger, and garlic. Add them to the pork mince along with salt, peanut oil, "Ji Xian" sauce (or a light soy sauce), and a little soy sauce. Mix well.
2. Place filling on one lotus root slice and top with another slice, pressing them together so the filling fills the holes, which helps secure the two slices.
3. Coat the stuffed lotus root slices with the flour batter.
4. When the oil is about 40% hot, add the coated lotus root and fry until golden brown, then remove and serve.
Crispy Fried Lotus Root Sandwiches