| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 160 | 7g | 1g | 24g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 14g | 5g | 3g | 1.25g |
Growing up in Texas, I’ve always loved taking traditional recipes and reinterpreting them with unexpected cross-cultural infusions. And one such dish that encompasses this spirit is the vegetable-based delicacy “Braised Burdock with Soy and Honey. I love this dish because its simplicity harnesses the full-bodied earthiness of burdock, harmoniously combined with the sweet and salty balance of soy and honey. This recipe has quickly become a cherished staple in my culinary repertoire for its heartiness, ease of preparation, and health benefits.
The Flavor Symphony of Braised Burdock with Soy and Honey
The Braised Burdock with Soy and Honey is a fascinating blend of flavors. At first, the burdock root, with its slightly sweet, nutty flavor, mingles with the savory notes from the soy sauce. The honey then steps in, adding a delicate wave of sweetness that balances out the saltiness. But the true game changer here is the addition of assorted mixed fruits. This non-traditional ingredient imparts a touch of freshness into the mix – a memory of the tart-sweet Southern-style fruit salads of my childhood.
Unveiling the Health Benefits
This dish doesn’t just score high on taste, it’s exceptionally nutritious as well. Burdock root, is a powerhouse of antioxidants that helps in cleansing the blood and boosting skin health. Moreover, the honey enhances the flavor while also providing its own set of health benefits including wound healing, and soothing a cough. The fruits give that necessary vitamin boost making this dish not only delicious, but also deeply nourishing.
Despite its Asian-inspired flavor profile, Braised Burdock with Soy and Honey has a certain comfort food component that speaks to its roots. It’s akin to glazed carrots or honey-roasted root vegetables common in Southern cuisine, but with a twist. This dish works beautifully as a side to accompany pan-seared fish or roasted chicken, or served atop steamed white rice for a simple, satisfying vegetarian meal.
So here’s to the delightful discovery and celebration of recipes like the Braised Burdock with Soy and Honey: traditional yet modern, tasty yet healthy. It’s these kind of diverse flavors and nutritional powerhouses that continue to inspire my love for cooking and sharing food with the people I care about most.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of burdock root, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup of onions, diced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water (for cornstarch)
- 1/2 cup of assorted mixed fruits (apples, oranges, grapes etc.)
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. You will need to peel and slice your burdock root, dice your onions and cut your assorted fruit into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add in the burdock root and onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they turn light brown.
Step Three
Mix in the soy sauce, honey, and two cups of water to the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the burdock root is tender.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, mix together the tablespoon of cornstarch and tablespoon of water until there are no lumps. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and stir it continuously for 2-3 minutes. This will help to thicken the sauce.
Step Five
Lastly, add in the assorted fruits to the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Six
Check the seasonings and adjust as necessary. Your Braised Burdock with Soy and Honey is now ready to serve. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a side dish or as a main course over rice.
