The beauty of lotus has inspired art, religion and folklore from times immemorial. The handsome plant is rejoiced not only on account of its attractive flowers but its different parts have been brought to use by the locals. Lotus symbolizes purity of mind and thought while amidst the impurity of the worldly affairs. Lotus is the National flower of India. It holds high esteem in Buddhism and connects with rebirth and enlightenment for it closes following sunset and blooms again with the kiss of first ray of sun. It is the connotation of longitivity, good luck, health and vigor and is backed by the fact that 5000 year old seeds of lotus unearthened were still capable of re-germination without difficulty. Lotus is much revered in Indian and Oriental mythology and is the seat of various Gods and Goddesses as Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Lakshmi.
Lotus stems are very much used in Asian cuisines and are much relished for their taste and nutritional value. They are very rich in iron and calcium content besides high dietary fiber. It is highly recommended for pregnant women. People with chronic complain of constipation can also profit from its use.
For best results, lotus stem curry should be prepared in the following way-
Methodology to prepare lotus stem balls
• Cut each lotus stem into three parts and put it on boil.
• Cool them. Then peel its skin and grate it.
• Mix the grated shreds with gram flour and add salt, red chilly to taste.
• Pour water enough to make them as balls.
• Fry these balls in cooking oil till brown and keep them on blotting paper to soak extra oil.
Methodology to prepare curry
Ingredients
• 2 Onions cut small or grated.
• Tomatoes also cut small or grated.
• Garlic-Ginger-Green Chilly paste.
• Coarsely crushed large cardamom (3), small cardamom (3), cloves (3), and a few black peppers collectively called garam masala.
Heat oil and fry onions till reddish brown. Now add garlic-ginger-green chilly paste to this and stir for 2 minutes. To this add tomato puree and let it brew for another 2-3 minutes and add salt, red chilly, turmeric before adding 3 cups of water. Bring this to boil.
Now gently add lotus stem balls to this and add garam masala. Let it boil for another 10 minutes.
Garnish this with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve with steamed rice/hot bread.
By: Rosy Vohra
