garlic chrysanthemum

Garlic-flavored Crown Daisy: A Culinary Guide

Garlic-flavored crown daisy (蒜香茼蒿) is a vibrant, healthy dish celebrated for its crisp texture and aromatic garlic infusion. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

500g fresh crown daisy, washed and drained

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp cooking oil

1 tsp light soy sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp sugar (optional)

A pinch of white pepper

Instructions:

1. Prep the greens: Trim tough stems from crown daisy. Keep tender tops and leaves intact. Pat dry to avoid splattering during cooking.

2. Sauté garlic: Heat oil in a wok over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic, stir-fry gently until golden and fragrant (do not brown to prevent bitterness).

3. Stir-fry quickly: Increase heat to high. Add crown daisy, tossing constantly for 1-2 minutes until leaves wilt but remain crisp.

4. Season: Drizzle in soy sauce, sprinkle salt, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well to combine. Remove from heat immediately.

Serving Tip: Enjoy hot as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles. For extra crunch, garnish with a few fried garlic chips.

This quick-cooking method locks in the vegetable’s nutrients and fresh flavor, making it a staple in Chinese home cooking. Adjust garlic to your preference for a bolder or milder taste!