Lotus Root Cold Dish

Root vegetables are really good for us, so make sure your diet consists of some root vegetables.  I bought a small lotus root recently but instead of making soup with it, I wanted to try something else.  I saw a Chinese cooking show before and they used lotus root to make a cold dish.  I never tried that before and really interested in giving it a go.  There are few recipes in my blog containing lotus root, such as in soup, stir-frying, simmering and even deep-frying, but not a cold dish.  The minced ginger, green onion and toasted sesame seeds gave this dish a great flavor and it was really fragrant with crunchy lotus root.  I loved this way of enjoying the lotus root too.  Give it a try if you haven't tried it this way!

Inspired by Travel China Guide.

Ingredients:

1 small lotus root, peel, thinly slice and soak in water with a little white vinegar (to prevent browning)
1 green onion, chop
1-inch ginger, mince
1/4 tsp to 1/2 tsp. dried chili flakes
1 Tbsp. cane sugar
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
Salt to taste

Toasted sesame seeds
About 2 Tbsp. of peanut oil

Method:

1.  Heat a pot of water until boiling. Add a little white vinegar (to prevent browning).  Add in the cut lotus root and let it boil for 4-5 minutes.  Drain and place in a bowl.

2.  Add the green onion, ginger, chili flakes and sugar on top of the lotus root.  In a hot pan, add in the peanut oil and let it hot but not smoking.  Pour the hot oil on top of the ginger and green onion (should be able to hear the sizzle).  Add in the rice vinegar and salt to taste.  Mix well. 

3.  Lastly add in the toasted sesame seeds, mix well.  Serve cold or at room-temperature.