The dog days of summer are the hottest and most humid season of the year. The high temperature and humidity can make people feel tired and lose their appetite, and can also lead to symptoms of dampness-heat accumulation, such as indigestion and dry mouth. Therefore, during this season, the diet should focus on clearing heat, relieving heat and dampness, and invigorating the spleen, choosing vegetables rich in nutrients to nourish the body. In this hot season, lotus rootlet has become a very suitable ingredient.
Lotus rootlet is not only refreshing and delicious but also rich in various nutrients, with multiple effects such as clearing heat, relieving heat and dampness, invigorating the spleen, and nourishing qi and blood. Lotus rootlet is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, potassium, and other nutrients. Its crispy texture and fresh taste are not only suitable for summer consumption but also help replenish the nutrients lost due to sweating. Below, we will share two delicious lotus rootlet recipes.
Recipe One: Stir-Fried Lotus Rootlet with Okra and Black Fungus
Ingredients: 200g lotus rootlet, 100g okra, 1 green pepper, 50g black fungus (dried), 2 cloves of garlic, some ginger, cooking oil, salt, light soy sauce, chicken powder.
Directions:
1. Preparation: Soak the black fungus in warm water, wash and remove the stalk, tear into small pieces and set aside. Wash the lotus rootlet, cut into 5cm long sections, wash the okra, remove the stalk, and cut into diagonal sections. Wash and deseed the green pepper, cut into strips, finely chop the garlic and ginger separately.
2. Stir-fry the ingredients: Heat some cooking oil in a pan, add the chopped ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the lotus rootlet and black fungus, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then add the okra and green pepper, continue stir-frying for 2 minutes.
3. Seasoning: Add salt, light soy sauce, and chicken powder, stir well, then remove from heat.
This dish has a bright color, a crispy texture, and is nutritionally rich. The fresh taste of lotus rootlet and okra complements the tender black fungus, while the green pepper adds a refreshing flavor. This dish not only clears heat and relieves heat but also invigorates the spleen, making it a delicious dish that cannot be missed in the summer.
Cooking tips: Soak the lotus rootlet in lightly salted water for a while after cutting to prevent discoloration; do not overcook the okra to maintain its tender crispness; thoroughly wash the soaked black fungus to remove impurities.
Recipe Two: Lotus Rootlet, Coix Seed, Carrot, and Pork Rib Soup
Ingredients: 200g lotus rootlet, 300g pork ribs, 50g coix seed, 1 carrot, 3 slices of ginger, some wolfberries, salt, water.
Directions:
1. Preparation: Wash the pork ribs, blanch in hot water to remove impurities; soak the coix seed in water for 1 hour, then wash; wash the lotus rootlet, cut into sections; peel and dice the carrot; wash the wolfberries.
2. Cook the soup: In a large soup pot, add water, pork ribs, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 30 minutes. Add the coix seeds and carrot pieces, continue simmering for another 30 minutes, then add the lotus rootlet and wolfberries, and simmer for 10 more minutes.
3. Seasoning: Add salt to taste, stir well, then serve.
This soup is refreshing, delicious, and nutritious. The crispy lotus rootlet combines with the sweet carrot, the fragrant coix seeds, and the rich pork ribs, making this soup not only relieving heat and dampness but also invigorating the spleen and stomach, nourishing qi and blood, making it a great supplement for the summer.
Cooking tips: Blanching the pork ribs helps remove impurities to keep the soup clear; soaking the coix seeds in advance shortens the cooking time and enhances the texture; add the lotus rootlet towards the end to maintain its tender crispness.
As a seasonal vegetable in summer, lotus rootlet’s rich nutrients and various cooking methods make it a great dish on the table. Whether in refreshing stir-fries or nourishing soups, lotus rootlet can bring a different delicious experience. In this hot summer, why not try various ways to cook lotus rootlet, making our bodies healthier and life more beautiful.
