Braised Cabbage with Lotus Seeds: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe for Every Family

Braised cabbage with lotus seeds is a light vegetarian dish that is rich in nutrients and easy to prepare. This dish is not only perfect for hot summer days but also a great choice to add fiber and vitamins to your daily diet. Let’s explore the detailed recipe right away!

Delicious braised cabbage with lotus seeds

Why Should You Try Braised Cabbage with Lotus Seeds?

Braised cabbage with lotus seeds is not just a tasty dish but also offers numerous health benefits. Cabbage is rich in vitamins C, K, and fiber, which boost the immune system and support digestion. Meanwhile, lotus seeds provide plant-based protein, have a calming effect, reduce stress, and improve sleep. The combination of these two ingredients creates a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

Nutrition expert Nguyen Thi Lan Anh shares: “Cabbage and lotus seeds are both nutrient-rich foods. They are especially suitable for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.”

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect braised cabbage with lotus seeds, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g of white or purple cabbage
• 100g of fresh lotus seeds (or 50g of dried lotus seeds)
• 1 onion
• 1 scallion, cilantro
• Seasonings: vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, salt, vegetarian seasoning powder, pepper, cooking oil

Ingredients needed for braised cabbage with lotus seeds

Properly Preparing the Ingredients

Cabbage

• Separate the cabbage leaves, wash them clean, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• To prevent the cabbage from getting mushy when braised, blanch it in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and let it dry.

Lotus Seeds

• If using fresh lotus seeds, simply wash them. If using dried lotus seeds, soak them in warm water for 2-3 hours to soften and blanch them briefly before cooking.

Onion and Herbs

• Peel and finely chop the onion.
• Wash and finely chop the scallion and cilantro.

Detailed Cooking Steps

1. Sauté the Onion

   • Place a pot on the stove, add cooking oil, and heat it. Then sauté the finely chopped onion until fragrant.

2. Stir-Fry the Cabbage

   • Add the cabbage to the pot and stir-fry it with a bit of salt and vegetarian seasoning powder. Stir well to let the cabbage absorb the flavors.

3. Braise the Cabbage with Lotus Seeds

   • Add the lotus seeds to the pot with the cabbage, pour in enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and braise for about 15-20 minutes.

4. Season to Taste

   • Adjust the seasoning to your taste (vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, vegetarian seasoning powder, pepper).

5. Finish

   • Sprinkle the finely chopped scallion and cilantro on top. Turn off the heat and enjoy your dish.

Chef Thanh Huong suggests: “Adding a bit of coconut caramel or caramel sauce when braising will make the dish look more appealing.”

Steps to braise cabbage with lotus seeds

Unique Variations for Braised Cabbage with Lotus Seeds

• Vegetarian version: Use entirely vegetarian ingredients like vegetarian fish sauce and vegetarian seasoning powder.
• Adding mushrooms: Include straw mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
• Cabbage rolls: Roll cabbage leaves with a filling of lotus seeds, mushrooms, and tofu before braising.

Tips for a Perfect Dish

• Choose fresh, young cabbage that is not bruised.
• Blanch the cabbage briefly before braising to keep it crisp.
• Do not braise for too long to avoid the cabbage becoming mushy.
• Adjust the seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor, not too salty or too sweet.

Conclusion

Braised cabbage with lotus seeds is a light, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish. With the detailed recipe above, you can easily prepare this dish at home. Give it a try and share your results with Sổ Tay Món Ăn. Wishing you success and enjoyable meals!

Frequently Asked Questions About Braised Cabbage with Lotus Seeds

• Is this dish good for health?
  Yes, cabbage is rich in vitamins and fiber, while lotus seeds help calm the mind and improve sleep.
• How long should it be braised?
  Braise for about 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the lotus seeds are soft and flavorful.
• Can I substitute fresh lotus seeds with dried ones?
  Yes, but you need to soak the dried lotus seeds in warm water for 2-3 hours before using them.
• What seasonings are necessary for the dish?
  Vegetarian fish sauce, sugar, salt, vegetarian seasoning powder, and pepper.
• How can I prevent the cabbage from getting mushy?
  Blanch the cabbage briefly in boiling water before braising.