Mountain-Style Vegan Rau Dzon Salad Recipe

Rau dzon, a distinctive vegetable from the mountainous, stream-rich, and damp forest regions, belongs to the fern family. At first glance, rau dzon can be mistaken for a fern, but its leaves are smaller and its stems longer. Fresh rau dzon is delicious, a familiar, simple, flavorful, and nutritious dish. This article from “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” will guide you on how to make a mountain-style vegan rau dzon salad, a dish that is both refreshing and rich with the flavors of the mountains.

Fresh Rau Dzon Leaves

What is Rau Dzon? Characteristics and Benefits

Rau dzon grows at an angle, typically reaching lengths of 0.5 to 1 meter including the leaves and stems. The stem is thick, brownish-black or yellow, and covered at the base with a layer of scales. The length of the leaf blade is proportional to the age of the plant, with some mature plants having blades up to 1.5 meters long.

Rau Dzon Plant

Rau dzon is considered a specialty vegetable among mountain farmers. However, once picked, if not used immediately, rau dzon loses its freshness and distinctive sweetness. Therefore, it is usually picked and consumed in just the right amount.

Rau dzon can be prepared in many delicious and simple dishes. Its nutritional content includes: 86% water, 8% carbohydrates, 4% protein, and is particularly rich in cellulose. Rau dzon provides a variety of nutrients to the body. It has cooling properties, is diuretic, and helps prevent constipation. After harvesting, rau dzon can be washed, dried, cut, and stored to make tea, which has a cooling and detoxifying effect on the body. Additionally, rau dzon can treat conditions such as coughs, colds, and sore throats.

Nutritional Benefits of Rau Dzon

How to Make Mountain-Style Vegan Rau Dzon Salad

Rau dzon salad is a specialty of the Thai ethnic group and the people of the Northwest mountains. The Thai people often refer to rau dzon as “pắc cút,” which has broad fronds and large stems, similar to ferns, with green leaves. To prepare a rau dzon salad that embodies the essence of the local culture, you should select fresh, young, and slightly curved rau dzon shoots, and briefly sun-dry them to reduce their rawness.

Next, steam the rau dzon for about 20 minutes. This method preserves the vibrant green color and the sweet, nutty flavor of the rau dzon. After steaming, place the rau dzon on a plate, then add ingredients such as chili, herbs, garlic, ginger, MSG, lemon juice, and salt, and mix thoroughly to allow the flavors to meld. The rau dzon salad captivates diners with its sweet and tangy taste from the ingredients, combined with the nutty flavor of fresh rau dzon.

Mountain-Style Rau Dzon Salad

Other Dishes Made with Rau Dzon

In addition to rau dzon salad, the Thai people use rau dzon to prepare other dishes such as: rau dzon stir-fried with sour bamboo shoots, rau dzon stir-fried with garlic,…

Boiled Rau Dzon

After harvesting fresh, young rau dzon, wash it thoroughly and boil it. Boiled rau dzon, dipped in fish sauce, is a truly wonderful dish. Once you try it, you will never forget its flavor. When boiling rau dzon, cook it just until it is tender to maintain its crunchiness and sweetness.

Boiled Rau Dzon

Stir-Fried Rau Dzon

Rau dzon stir-fried with garlic, shrimp, pork, or beef… To enhance the flavor, add pepper and mắc khén. When enjoying it, you will experience the unique combination of the sweet, nutty taste of rau dzon with the aromatic flavors of pepper and mắc khén.

Stir-Fried Rau Dzon with Garlic

Stir-Fried Rau Dzon with Shrimp

Conclusion

Mountain-style vegan rau dzon salad is a rustic, easy-to-make dish that carries the unique flavors of the mountains. We hope that with the above recipe, you can prepare a delicious and nutritious rau dzon salad for your family and friends. Explore more delicious dishes made with rau dzon and experience the rich culinary diversity of Vietnam.