Is it “soup” or “tea” (the term used loosely, no pun intended).
We still had a container of lotus seeds in our cabinet.
See here. Found a how-to here. Luckily, the ones I had already had the germ taken out but there were a few that were missed.
These are usually taken out due to their bitter flavor, personally, I like that bitter contrast (swallowing the bitter to appreciate the sweetness in life, sorry, that discussion is for another blog). Hee hee.
After soaking in cold water for an hour and rinsing, I started to simmer the seeds. Not sure if they were supposed to foam up.
Just to be sure, I discarded the water and rinsed the seeds and started again.
Second times the charm. After simmering (they have the texture and taste ever so slightly like chickpeas or garbanzo beans). I added a syrup made with ginger honey, and ….. peanut butter (whoever thought I cook traditionally, so sorrrry)! 🙂
I thought it was pretty good for a first time try. The ginger and peanut butter are a definite kick in the pants. Hee hee. If you want the more traditional recipe, see link above. Although I got the basic from reading the recipe, I had to put The Mouse spin on it. Hee hee.
So in the end, it’s “soup”. We didn’t just drink the “broth” or “tea”.
Enjoy. Eat well.
The Mouse
[…] of our relatives, read this post, and gave us a container of dried lotus bulb […]
I agree, those flavours are exactly as you describe, the bitterness followed by the sweet. So true in life!
Sometimes I’ve even eaten melon or sweet potato with the soup. A beautiful cleanser and a delicious way to end with a clean palette!
Thanks for the suggestions. Mahalo!
I’ve never seen lotus seeds before – very cool!
You’re so adventurous! Lotus seeds weren’t even on my food radar 0-:
I became adventurous late. Growing up, I was afraid of most foods. Happily, I overcame that phobia.
Very interesting!
I had a similar soup in Hangzhou… yummy!!!
Ni hao & yummy! 🙂 My Taiwanese daughter-in-law is on business trip in Taiwan… lucky her! 🙂 She’ll eat this soup and many other delicious local meals…
Fantastic recipe thanx!
You could also try the Indian Curry Phool Makhani with these……they are fried in that and add a crunchy element
Sounds good. Thanks for the suggestion.