Lotus Root and Vegetable Salad with Chinese Dressing
300 g (10 oz) fresh lotus root, washed and peeled
150 g (5 oz) green beans, tops and tails removed, halved
1 teaspoon salt
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
80 g (½ cup) fresh or frozen green peas
1 stalk celery, fibers removed, diced
Dressing
3 tablespoons vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons sesame paste or tahini
½ teaspoon salt
Serves 4
Preparation time: 30 mins
Cooking time: 50 mins
1 Place the lotus roots in a pot and add 2 liters (8 cups) water. Bring to a full boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 40 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain the lotus roots, and reserve the stock. Rinse the lotus roots in cool water, drain, and set aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, slice the lotus roots into round slices about 6 mm (¼ in) thick.
2 Bring the lotus stock to a boil and blanch the beans until they turn dark and shiny, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain, and rinse the beans in cool water. Drain and set aside to cool. Discard the stock.
3 Bring a cup of water with the salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add the carrots and blanch for 3 minutes; remove, rinse and set aside. Add the peas and celery, and cook for 1 minute; remove, rinse, and set aside.
4 In a large bowl, combine the Dressing ingredients, stirring well. Add all the vegetables and toss together until well coated. Transfer to a smaller salad bowl or platter and serve.
Jicama (bangkuang) can be used as a substitute if lotus root is not available. Cut into bite–sized pieces and blanch in hot water or eat raw if young and tender.