Kamal kakdi, lotus stem or as we popularly call it in India as Bhey is a treasure hidden under our beautiful national flower Lotus. Lotus stems are highly nutritious and edible.
An extraordinary yet another nutritious vegetable that is preferred in India a lot. It is crisp and crunchy in texture. When prepared with some chilies it tastes wonderful and delicious. I recently prepared this at home and thought to share it with all. One can enjoy this vegetable with plain rice and roti.
It is used popularly in Asian cuisine to prepare unique dishes. One can prepare endless dishes from it. One can find them being used in non-vegetarian dishes like mutton and chicken. In Kashmir you can find them being used in almost every dish. There are many who shallow or deep fry them to make them even tastier. It is also used in radish vegetable recipe.
Lotus plantation is done on a vast scale in Japan. When we peel the outer skin and cut it, we get a beautiful design that is hidden within the stem. Since they are submerged in water one needs to clean them thoroughly to make sure no dirt is present inside before cooking. Consuming them is highly beneficial for the health. Yes! You heard it right, so let’s know how it benefits us.
Benefits of Lotus Stem
Anti-oxidant properties
They are rich in antioxidants and help in the prevention of cancer. One may enjoy this wonderful vegetable in any form to reap the antioxidant properties.
Prevents Pyrexia
This vegetable has cooling properties and because of this special property within it aids in reducing the temperature.
Helps to cure swelling
Swelling is a common problem in allergy and muscle pain etc. One can get relief by including bhey in their diet.
Keeps blood sugar under control
The ethanol extract helps to keep the blood sugar levels under control. It also aids in regulating the glucose levels.
Natural medicine to cure diarrhea
This vegetable acts as a natural cure in curing diarrhea. All you need to do is to boil the kamal kakdi and drink its water as it contains anti diarrhea properties.
Aids in reducing stress
In today’s time everyone is suffering from stress and wants some relief. Kamal kakdi has vitamin B which reduces one’s stress and clears the mind.
Prevents excess water loss
They protect excess water loss from the body as it contains high content of potassium which soaks excess sodium controlling the urine output.
High on fiber
Kamal kakdi is high in fiber which not only prevents constipation but makes the excretion process smooth.
Ingredients (serve - 4 pax)
4 pieces kamal kakdi/lotus stem
2 + 3 tbsp oil
1 cup onions chopped
2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1 cup tomatoes chopped
1/2 cup curd
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp garam masala
1/4 th tsp red chili powder
Tempering
1 bay leaf
1 tsp jeera
1 tsp saunf
3 cloves/laung
2 1/2 inch pieces cinnamon
1 black cardamom broken
1 tbsp coriander powder
Photo wise Steps
Wash thoroughly, peel and cut it into thin round slices and soak in salty water for 30 mins to wash off any impurities
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy bottomed pan.
Add the sliced lotus stem and stir fry for 2 minutes.
Add the seasoning and stir and cook for two minutes.
Add 1 cup of water. Mix well and cover and cook on low flame for 20-25 minutes depending on the quality of the lotus stem.
Put the onions, ginger garlic paste and tomatoes in a mixer jar and grind to a paste.
Heat 3 tbsp oil in another pan and add the tempering ingredients. Stir fry for 40 seconds till cumin crackles.
Add the onion tomato paste. Keep stirring and cooking for around 10 mins till the water evaporates and the paste is dry and cooked. The oil will separate only if there is more oil. Since we are using oil sparingly it doesn't float.
Add curd and keep cooking for 3 minutes.
While the masala cooks, our lotus stem is also ready in the other pan. It is softened and well roasted.
Now add the kamal kakdi to the masalas and keep stirring and cooking for a few minutes.
Add half a cup of water.
Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot.
Video
Method
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the sliced lotus stem and stir fry for 2 minutes.
Add the seasoning and stir and cook for two minutes.
Add 1 cup of water.
Mix well and cover and cook on low flame for 20-25 minutes depending on the quality of the lotus stem.
While the lotus stem cooks let's get the masala ready.
Put the onions, ginger garlic paste and tomatoes in a mixer jar and grind to a paste.
Heat 3 tbsp oil in another pan and add the tempering ingredients.
Stir fry for 40 seconds till cumin crackles and add the onion tomato paste.
Keep stirring and cooking for around 10 minutes till the water evaporates and the paste is dry and cooked. The oil will separate only if there is more oil. Since we are using oil sparingly it doesn't float.
Add curd and keep cooking for 3 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup water and cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
While the masala is cooked, our lotus stem is also ready in the other pan. It is softened and well roasted.
Now add the kamal kakdi to the masalas and keep stirring and cooking for a few minutes.
Ready to serve.
Conclusion
Lotus stem is stem of lotus which is edible and has numerous health benefits.
It is also known as Kamal kakdi. Popularly known as Bhey in India. It can be used in numerous dishes. One needs to wash them thoroughly as inside the stem may contain some dirt.
The stem has a beautiful design when they are chopped and tastes a little sweet.
It is used in non-vegetarian dishes like fish and meat.
One can shallow / deep fry them to further enhance its taste or simply eat it cooked as a vegetable without frying.
It helps to relieve one from stress as it contains vitamin B.
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