Stuffed Lotus Root

Stuffed Lotus Root is a delightful and visually stunning appetizer that features crunchy lotus root filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and spices. This unique dish offers a blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect starter for any kosher Chinese meal.

Ingredients

• Lotus root - 200 grams
• Quinoa - 50 grams
• Carrot - 1 medium, grated
• Mushrooms (shiitake or button) - 50 grams, finely chopped
• Green onion - 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Soy sauce (kosher) - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Fresh ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Chili flakes - optional, to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and cook it according to package instructions until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the lotus root by slicing it into 1 cm thick rounds and soaking it in water with a splash of vinegar to prevent browning.
3. In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped mushrooms and grated carrot to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the cooked quinoa, green onions, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Drain the lotus root slices and pat them dry. Take a spoonful of the quinoa mixture and stuff it between two slices of lotus root, forming a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining slices.
7. In the same skillet, add a bit more sesame oil and heat over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed lotus root sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the skillet and serve warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 37 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.

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