In the Cloud Forest manuscript, Ni San has outlined a sweet, musky dish in 36. Cooked Filled Lotus Roots.
Original:
Take really good true flour, honey and a little musk [lit. musk deer Moschus moschiferus] and pour it inside lotus roots. Pour from the big head. Wrap in oiled paper, tie, and boil until cooked. Cut into slices and eat warm.
I have taken some liberties with this recipe. The primary reason for this is the lack of whole lotus rhizomes. Because of this, I can only access frozen rhizomes that have already been sliced. I hope to redact this recipe sometime with whole rhizomes when I can access them.
The rhizome, sometimes called the root, of the Lotus is a stem-like structure that helps the plant produce new leaves and to keep the leaves and flowers above the water-level.
- I used a patty of filling (which necessitated it being thicker than the probable type in the recipe that would be poured down the long tubes of the rhizome).
- After having tried to boil the cut rhizomes to interesting effects, I decided to use a shallow fry method – this is the method suggested on the packaging.
- Use of musk: I have made this recipe without musk for several tasters who do not like musk flavour. This returned a very nice, sweet honey flavoured dessert.
Natal’ia’s Redaction: Fried Sliced Rhizome Version:
Ingredients:
• 1 pack frozen Lotus Rhizomes
• 1 cup Flour
• ½ cup Honey
• Musk Essence, to taste*
• Olive oil, as required for frying
Method:
1. Defrost rhizomes
2. Mix flour, honey, and musk.
3. Take a small amount of mixture (about 1 teaspoon) and flatten onto on piece of rhizome. Cover with another piece of rhizome to create a sandwich.
4. Dip sandwich into flour to thinly coat both sides. (important step to avoid spitting oil).
5. Fry in shallow oil until rhizome is developing a golden colour (approximately 10 minutes).
6. Remove rhizome to drain plate with paper towel.
7. Serve warm.
[recipe makes about 20 rhizome sandwiches. This is limited by the number of rhizomes in the bag]
Note:
*Be careful with the amount of musk being added to this recipe. A drop too much makes the finished rhizomes unpleasant.
Until next we meet, may bitterness never touch your mouth.
~Natal'ia