As we age, coupled with various bad habits, environmental pollution, and stress, the functions of our body gradually decline, and the liver faces more challenges. The liver is an important metabolic organ in the body, responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, energy storage, and other vital functions. Once the liver encounters issues, it not only affects the normal functioning of the body but may also trigger a series of serious diseases. As the saying goes: taking care of the liver is taking care of life, which shows how crucial liver maintenance is. Today, I want to introduce a natural “king of liver health”—dandelion, which might become a powerful assistant for you in liver nurturing and protection.
Dandelion is a common wild herb that not only has a beautiful appearance but also comes with rich nutritional value and medicinal properties. It contains various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are very beneficial for liver health. First, dandelion has antioxidant properties that can help eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress on the liver, and protect liver cells from damage. Secondly, dandelion has anti-inflammatory characteristics that can lower liver inflammation reactions and prevent the occurrence of liver diseases such as hepatitis. In addition, dandelion can promote bile secretion, aid in fat digestion, and alleviate liver burden, which is also effective in preventing diseases like fatty liver. Make sure to eat more when you can! Below, I will share a delicious way to enjoy dandelion; let’s take a look.
【Dandelion Stir-fried Minced Meat with Tofu】
Ingredients: Dandelion, firm tofu, minced meat, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, pepper, salt
Preparation: Clean the dandelion, retaining only the tender leaves, wash them thoroughly, and set aside. Cut a block of firm tofu into small cubes and set aside. Wash a piece of lean meat clean and chop it into minced meat. Crush and finely chop the garlic.
Seasoning Sauce: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of water, a little sugar, and a pinch of pepper, mixing well and setting aside.
Blanching Dandelion: Bring water to a boil in a pot, add a few drops of oil and a pinch of salt, then add the dandelion to blanch for 10 seconds before removing it, squeezing out the water, and cutting it into small sections.
Stir-frying Minced Meat: Heat oil in a pan, add the minced meat, and stir-fry until it changes color before removing it and setting aside.
Stir-frying Tofu: Leave some oil in the pan, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add the tofu cubes and stir-fry. Next, pour in the seasoning sauce, stir-fry evenly, then cover and simmer.
Adding Minced Meat: When there is still some broth left in the pan, add the cooked minced meat, stir-fry, and continue to reduce the liquid.
Adding Dandelion: When there is only a little broth left in the pan, add the dandelion and quickly stir-fry evenly before serving on a plate.
Tips:
1. The blanching time for dandelion should not be too long to avoid affecting its taste and nutrition.
2. The tofu can also be blanched to remove the bean odor for a smoother texture.
3. Be gentle when stir-frying tofu to prevent it from breaking.
Nutritional Value
Protein: Minced meat provides high-quality animal protein, while tofu is rich in plant protein. The combination of the two offers the body a rich and comprehensive supply of amino acids, which helps maintain normal metabolism, tissue repair, and growth and development.
Minerals: Tofu is a good source of calcium, helping to maintain the health and strength of bones; dandelion and minced meat also contain significant amounts of potassium, iron, and other minerals, which are important for maintaining heart function and blood formation.
Vitamins: Dandelion is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and various other vitamins, which have antioxidant effects and help boost immunity, protecting cells from damage by free radicals; this is beneficial for liver health.
Dietary Fiber: Dandelion contains a certain amount of dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, and maintain intestinal health.
Other Nutritional Components: The dandelion in this dish also possesses medicinal properties such as heat-clearing and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dissipating lumps, providing certain auxiliary health benefits for the body.
