Recipe: Kinpira Burdock-Lotus-Carrots

1 carrot
1 burdock root
1 small lotus root
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon tamari
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1. Wash vegetables.
2. Slice carrot and burdock into matchsticks.
3. Peel the lotus root, slice off the ends and slice into 1/2-inch thick, half rounds.
4. Heat oil in sauté pan.
5. Sauté vegetables together over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes.
6. Add just enough water to half cover the veggies and cook on medium heat for 5-10 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
7. Add tamari and rice vinegar and cook another 2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat, plate and add sesame seeds before serving.

Kinpira is a Japanese cooking style that means sautéing and then simmering.

• When purchasing burdock, look for one that is firm, not wiggly.
• If you can’t find fresh lotus root, use organic dried lotus root, which can be found in the Asian foods section at your local health food store.