We found many ways to cook and enjoy the lotus plant. It is hard to pick just a few recipes because nearly all parts of the lotus are used in Chinese cuisine and Chinese medicine: roots (lian ou), stems (he geng), leaves (ye he), and seeds (lian zi).
The most commonly used part of this plant is the root. The root of the lotus plant is about 8 inches long, and about two inches in diameter. On the outside, the skin is smooth and green in color, on the inside, several large air pockets run the length of the tuber for buoyancy in the water. When sliced in half, the root resembles a wagon wheel because of these large air pockets.
Cooked or raw there are many ways of eating the lotus root, and it’s excellent for your health. In addition to main dishes can also make soups and desserts out of the lotus root. We have included some of our favorite recipes to help you incorporate lotus root into your diet. If you have a tasty recipe for lotus root please send it to us at recipes@nuherbs.com.
Stir-Fried Lotus Root With Snow Peas
(serves 2 to 4 people)
This recipe is great for vegetarians; it is very easy to prepare and can be served hot or cold.
8 oz. Lotus root (thinly sliced)
4 oz. Snow peas
4 oz. Celery (sliced)
4 oz. Mushroom (sliced)
1 cup Broth or Water
2 cloves Crushed Garlic
2 tablespoons Cooking oil
Salt to taste
Heat the oil in the frying pan until hot, and sauté the crushed garlic until fragrant. Then pour all the ingredients in the pan and add the water or broth. Sprinkle with salt & cover for 2 minutes until cooked. Do not overcook!
**Try adding chicken, beef, pork, fish fillets, or prawns into this dish. Stir-fry the seasoned meat or seafood with 1 teaspoon of oil and some crushed garlic until cooked. Stir in the lotus root with snow peas, serve and enjoy.
Lotus Root Pancakes
(serves 2 to 3 people)
Kids and adults love this easy yummy recipe.
1 cup Lotus Root (finely grated, do not drain the juice)
2 oz. Ground Pork
1 oz. Chinese Mushrooms, soaked & finely chopped
2 oz. Chinese Sausage, finely chopped *optional
1 Tablespoon Cilantro, chopped *optional
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Sugar
¼ cup Cooking Oil (for cooking in the pan)
Mix ingredients well until they hold together. Using approximately 2 tablespoons of the mix; use your hands to make small patties. Heat the oil in the pan and put the patties in one by one. Fry on medium heat until crispy & cooked. Be careful not to burn yourself or the pancakes!
Summer Lotus Beverage
(serves 1 person)
This refreshing drink is good all year round.
½ cup cubed Lotus Root
1 slice Lime, with peel
½ cup Water
Honey to taste *optional
Blend ingredients in a blender or juicer until mixed well.