Lotus Root Fries

Hmmm ... leftover lotus root from my last recipe. I'm feeling a little burned out from the regular stews and stir-fries so I thought I'd go the "East meets West" route this time around. What better way to accomplish this than a fusion with the all - time American favorite deep-fried snack - French Fries. I don't get why they call them french fries. But then again, I don't get why they call hamburgers hamburgers anyway. Well if you do, enlighten me.

Anyway, moving along from the confusion to the fusion, I've decided to whip up some lotus root fries with my leftover lotus root. Whether or not you are a fan of french fries, you really should give this fusion lotus root fries recipe a whirl. Not only does it have less calories, lotus root is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Another way in cooking lotus root (aka "Renkon" in Japanese) is raw in salads. A simple toss with mirin wine, sesame oil and soy sauce, and you got yourself a healthy, delicious lotus root salad, a delectable delight for the upcoming summer time.

Okay, on to the lotus root fries recipe. Using light cornstarch and no salt at all, lightly dust some strip cuts of lotus root and deep fry them to a perfect crisp. Simple, isn' it? You can also kick it up a notch like I did by quick stir-frying the lotus root fries using butter, evaporated milk, fresh cut red chili peppers, and my all-time favorite herb - kaffir lime leaves. There you have it ... buttery, zesty, mildly spicy lotus root fries !

Lotus Root Fries Recipe

Ingredients :
1 pc. lotus root ( cut into strips of 1/2 inch thick )
cornstarch

Method :
1) Lightly dust the lotus root strips with cornstarch.
2) Deep fry for about 3-5 minutes, OR until golden brown.

Spicy Buttered Lotus Root Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients :
1 red chili pepper ( deseeded and sliced )
5 kaffir lime leaves
black pepper
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp evaporated milk
1/2 tsp honey
lotus root fries ( from above recipe )

Method :
1) Saute the kaffir lime leaves and red chili peppers until fragrant.
2) Add butter, honey, evaporated milk and let simmer.
3) Toss in the lotus root fries and a dash of black pepper.
3) A quick toss and turn to let everything mix. Then continue stir-fry for 30 seconds.