| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 3.2g | 1.9g | 35.4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 21.1g | 3.9g | 2g | 0.02g |
I’ve spent a lifetime discovering, experimenting, and redefining recipes from various cuisines. One such discovery that won my heart is the delicious, nutritious, and highly adaptable, Braised Lotus Root. This recipe celebrates the unison of the Asian lotus root – a vegetable oftentimes overlooked – with a fruity medley of flavors borrowed from my upbringing in sunny Texas.
Tangible Taste, Boundless Health Benefits
The Braised Lotus Root is an amalgamation of sweet, tangy, and a distinct mild nuttiness from the lotus root itself. But it isn’t just a party for your taste buds. The lotus root is celebrated in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it’s a power-packed addition to our everyday diet. The use of honey offers natural sweetening properties without the guilt, while the rest of the ingredients lend antioxidants, and immunity-boosting attributes, making this dish an absolute winner on the dinner table. It’s an excellent choice for health enthusiasts and foodies alike! Do your body and your palate a favour by trying it here.
A Flexible Addition to Your Recipe Repertoire
My favorite attribute about the Braised Lotus Root is its versatility. It’s reminiscent of simpler Southern stews but with an Asian twist. This dish could easily hold its own as the main course, or it can subtly complement a variety of other dishes. Its sweetness pairs excellently with grilled meats, while its hearty texture complements lighter, broth-based soups. Since everyone’s palette is different, the flavor profile can be tweaked to match. Add a little more honey if you have a sweet tooth, or balance the sweetness with a bit more lemon zest on days when you crave that extra tang! You can find some great pairing ideas here.
What You’ll Need
- 2 – Lotus Roots, medium size
- 4 Cups – Water
- 2 – Apples, medium size
- 1 Cup – Orange Juice
- 1 Teaspoon – Lemon Zest
- 3 Tablespoons – Honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon – Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon – Ground Nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons – Butter
Method
Step One
First, clean the lotus roots thoroughly and slice them into 1/4 inch pieces.
Step Two
Place the sliced lotus roots in a large pot and add 4 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lotus roots become tender.
Step Three
While the lotus roots are simmering, core the apples and chop them into chunks. Then, in a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, lemon zest, honey, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Step Four
After 20 minutes, add the chopped apples, orange juice mixture, and butter to the pot with the lotus roots. Stir everything together, ensuring that the lotus roots and apples are well coated with the mixture.
Step Five
Continue to cook the mixture over low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the lotus roots are fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from burning.
Step Six
Once everything is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Braised Lotus Root warm or at room temperature!
