After the beginning of autumn, although the temperature remains relatively hot, the weather gradually becomes dry, and the temperature difference between day and night increases. At this time, people are prone to dry mouth, dry skin, and even constipation. Therefore, dietary adjustments after the beginning of autumn are particularly important. During this season, it is advisable to choose more nourishing and moisturizing foods to counteract the discomfort caused by autumn dryness. Among many seasonal vegetables, there is an inconspicuous vegetable that is a natural beauty product, and that is the “radish leaf.”
The radish leaf is the tender leaf of the radish. It contains abundant nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, calcium, and iron. Firstly, the radish leaf is high in vitamin C, which has excellent antioxidant properties, effectively enhancing immunity and helping resist autumn colds. Secondly, its richness in vitamin A plays an important role in protecting eye health and preventing vision deterioration. Additionally, the rich dietary fiber in radish leaves can promote gastrointestinal motility and prevent constipation.
In addition to being nutritionally rich, radish leaves have excellent beauty effects. Its vitamin C and vitamin A can help skin retain moisture and elasticity, and its cooling and detoxifying properties can help remove toxins from the body, preventing the formation of acne and pimples. Therefore, radish leaves are rightfully called “natural beauty vegetables.”
Delicious recipe 1: Stir-fried Radish Leaves with Tofu
Ingredients: Radish leaves as needed, firm tofu, scallions, ginger, garlic as needed, dried red chilies (2-3), cooking oil, salt, soy sauce as needed.
Instructions:
1. Prepare ingredients: Remove the old leaves from the radish leaves, wash them, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, quickly cool them in cold water, drain the water. Then, cut the blanched radish leaves into small sections; wash the firm tofu, crumble it by hand, and set aside; finely chop the scallions, ginger, garlic, and slice the dried red chilies.
2. Stir-fry: Heat the pan with oil, add the chopped scallions, ginger, garlic, and dried red chilies, stir-fry until fragrant. Then, add the crumbled tofu, stir-fry until slightly colored. Next, add the sliced radish leaves, continue to stir-fry, season with salt and soy sauce as needed, stir well, then serve.
This stir-fried radish leaves with tofu dish is not only simple to make but also has a refreshing taste. The tender texture of tofu combined with the freshness of radish leaves not only provides protein but also rich in vitamins and minerals. Especially in the dry autumn climate, this dish can help moisten the lungs and clear internal heat, making it a healthy and delicious home-cooked dish.
Delicious recipe 2: Cornmeal Vegetable Dumplings
Ingredients: Cornmeal, baking soda, radish leaves, dried shrimp, eggs (2-3), glass noodles, salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, cooking oil, corn husks.
Detailed steps:
1. Prepare the dough: Place cornmeal in a large bowl, add a little baking soda, pour hot water over it, stirring until the cornmeal forms a dough. Then knead the dough, cover with a damp cloth, set aside.
2. Prepare radish leaves: Wash the radish leaves, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, quickly cool in cold water, drain, chop finely.
3. Prepare the filling: Wash and drain the dried shrimp, scramble and chop the eggs, soak the glass noodles until soft, then cut into small pieces. Put the radish leaves, dried shrimp, scrambled eggs, and glass noodles in a large bowl, add salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cooking oil, mix well to create the filling.
4. Make the dumplings: Take a portion of the cornmeal dough, roll into a ball, flatten it, add the filling, seal the edges, shape into round dumplings. Place a wet corn husk at the bottom of the dumpling to prevent sticking; place the dumplings in a steamer, steam over water for about 20 minutes until cooked through, then serve.
Cornmeal vegetable dumplings are a healthy and delicious traditional food with high nutritional value. The coarse nature of cornmeal aids in gastrointestinal motility, preventing constipation. The addition of radish leaves in the filling not only enhances the texture but also provides rich vitamins and minerals. The dried shrimp and eggs add flavor and protein to this dish. Not only is this dish delicious, but it can also help moisturize the skin, enhance immunity, making it especially suitable for consumption in the dry autumn climate.
