Good as an appetizer or as a simple viand（アペタイザーでも簡単なおかずでも美味しいチーズ入りれんこんフライ）

Fried Cheesy Lotus Root (Chi-zu Iri Renkon furai チーズ入りれんこんフライ)

Lotus root (called “renkon” in Japanese) has long been considered beneficial to health in Oriental medicine.  It has been prescribed to treat respiratory problems such as tuberculosis, asthma, and coughs.  In Japan, some throat lozenges have added renkon powder.  Some reports mentioned that lotus root can remove mucus accumulation in the body.  These claims have yet to be backed up by scientific findings although there are reports on the biochemical components of the root. 

In China and Japan, lotus root is eaten as an ingredient in salads and soups.  It is also spiced with mustard and sold as a local specialty in certain areas in Japan.

Here, I sliced a medium-sized lotus root, fried the slices in oil. After frying the slices, I put meltable cheese in between two slices, dabbed some cornstarch and fried them again till light brown in color. One can do one-step frying but the slices are not as crunchy. Salt is optional since the cheese is already salty.  I decorated the sandwiches with sliced lemons and red chili pepper strings. 



201228 lan



crunchy cheesy lotus root  (2012 2)