Seriously Asian: Burdock Root

[AsahinaKimi]

Pictured here is burdock, a slender, brown-skinned root vegetable that grows to more than two feet in length. In markets and restaurants, pickled burdock root is often sold as an accompaniment to sushi or rice meals. But in Japanese cookery, burdock is an all-purpose vegetable that's added to stews, stir-fried, and pickled.

With a pleasantly crunchy texture, burdock has a sweet flavor that's similar to lotus root, though its taste is distinctive enough to make it worth the trouble of seeking it out and preparing it. The texture of burdock is also unique: meaty and crispy, with a certain chew that's hardier than that of most root vegetables.

While burdock is not difficult to cook, it does require time to manage the thick layer of grit that clings to the surface. You can take off the dirt by intensive scrubbing, though doing so may still miss some of the dirt in the crevices. Instead of scrubbing, I like to peel away the skin after the root has been given a preliminary wash. Burdock also discolors easily, so keep a bowl of ice water with a splash of vinegar on hand so that all prepped and cut portions can be kept refreshed in the bowl.



Burdock kinpira is a simple and homey dish—its richness makes it a welcome complement to meals served with rice. Strips of burdock are stir-fried in oil or fat, then simmered until softened. The only seasonings added to the dish are sake, soy sauce and sugar, but that's all that's needed to enhance the naturally sweet and complex flavor of the root.

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/05/seriously-asian-stir-fried-burdock-root-kinpira-pickled-burdock-recipe.html

[weissmam]

1. Now I am hungry

[mainer]

2. It's a crazy weed here, taking over my garden

Even with a pickaxe, I can't dig it up.

[AsahinaKimi]

3. sounds like you have a good source

of food on your hands. Can google recipes on line, or sell the stuff to local grocers!

[Art_from_Ark]

4. One word of advice about burdock

If you're not used to eating it, it can have an effect on your digestive system for a while, depending on how much you eat. Not quite like sugarless Gummi Bears, though.