Another journey through the vegetarian Kashmiri food.

Nadru or Lotus stems/roots are a delicious curious vegetable very popular in Kashmir (India). They are often fried and served as a street snack food. For the dinner table, the 2 most popular recipes are Nadru Yakhni (yogurt sauce)  and Nadru Palak ( Spinach). This recipe is for the latter but you can try our the delicious yogurt recipe in my earlier post or my step by step guide on wikihow

Also take a look at my post and pictures of Lotus Seeds from last summer.

The ingredients are simple and the recipe is simple. I always use a pressure cooker with root vegetables as it locks in the ingredient and saves time but you can use a heavy bottomed pan.

Lotus Stem is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin C.

The actual stems at my local asian market in Virginia  look like this:

I actually wanted something more tender so bought a bag of the frozen kind. The were fantastic.

The spinach can be fresh and organic. I blanch in in boiling water for a few minutes but you don’t have too. It just makes it easier to stir when cooking.

You can serve this with rice. I actually had it with quinoa which would not be typical but healthier.

Here is what you need

• Bag of frozen lotus stems or freshly cleaned and sliced – about a pound
• Organic spinach – a couple of bunches ( about 2 lbs)
• cumin seeds – 1tsp
• whole red chilis – 3
• asafetida – 1/4 Tsp
• dry ground ginger – 1 tsp
• red chili pwd – 1/2 Tsp
• turmeric  – 1 tsp
• dry ground coriander – 1 tsp
• salt to taste
• kashmiri vari – 1 tsp ( optional)
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil

In a pressure cooker add some mustard oil and the cumin seeds and whole chilies

Once crackling, add the asafetida and then the lotus stems. fry for a few minutes. Add the spinach, ginger, turmeric, coriander, and salt. If the spinach is fresh then let it wilt. If it is blanched then just stir it around for a bit.

You may need to add a 1/2 cup water if the mixture is on the dry side.

Pressure cook for about 4 whistles. Once you are able to open the cooker add the vari if using for that extra flavor and spice.

Exquisite!

This is a unique dish to take to Fiesta Friday hosted by  Dini @ Giramuk’s Kitchen and Mollie @ The Frugal Hausfrau