-
Preparation
10 minutes
-
Cooking
25 minutes
-
Difficulty
Easy
Boiled water chestnuts are a rustic dish that may not look very appealing but are incredibly delicious. This rural delicacy has captivated many with its sweet, rich, and creamy flavor. Today, the Into the Kitchen section of TasteVN will guide you on how to make this simple steamed dish at home!
Ingredients for Boiled Water Chestnuts For 4 people
Water chestnuts 1 kg Salt 2 teaspoons
How to choose delicious, rich water chestnuts
- To buy good water chestnuts, you should choose those that are medium-sized, with dry skin and a slightly rough surface.
- When held, they feel very firm and do not make a sound when shaken. These are the water chestnuts that are dense, sweet, and refreshing.
- Do not choose water chestnuts that are soft or waterlogged, as they will make a squishy sound when shaken. Such chestnuts have very little flesh and will become mushy when cooked, making them unappetizing.
- According to a general market price survey, water chestnuts are sold at supermarkets and local markets at quite affordable prices.
How to cook Boiled Water Chestnuts
-
Wash the water chestnuts
1kg of water chestnuts should be soaked in clean water for about 2 – 3 minutes to remove all dirt. Then, gently take the chestnuts out into a colander and let them drain.
Note: Be very careful and gentle when taking out the chestnuts; otherwise, the sharp thorns may hurt your hands!
-
Boil the water chestnut
Place a pot of water on the stove and add 1kg of washed water chestnuts. Then, add 2 teaspoons of salt, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 – 25 minutes over medium heat.
Cook until the water chestnuts are fully cooked, soft, and fluffy, then turn off the heat, remove them to a basket, and let them drain.
Tip:
- Adding salt while cooking will enhance the sweet, nutty flavor of the water chestnut.
- You should pour enough water to cover the water chestnuts before boiling. If the water is too little, the chestnuts will be hard to cook and may become tough. Too much water will make the chestnuts bland and not tasty.
- Follow the suggested cooking time above; boiling for too long will make the chestnuts mushy and lose their fluffiness and nuttiness.
-
Final Product
Split the water chestnut in half and enjoy the flavor of boiled water chestnut! The white flesh is soft and moderately fluffy, with a nutty, creamy taste blended with a hint of sweetness, making it very delicious.
Not only is it a simple treat loved by both children and adults, but the water chestnut also contains many components that are good for our health. So, show off your cooking skills and make it right away!
What is the water chestnut?
- Water chestnut, also known by other names: Trapa, water chestnut, food taboo, or lăng thực, is a type of plant belonging to the genus Trapa, widely cultivated and common in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Initially, the water chestnut attaches to the tree trunk, living underwater, so it is called a fruit. When the tuber matures, it automatically separates and falls to the bottom of the mud. At this point, it is referred to as a tuber.
- In Vietnam, water chestnuts have three main types: Trapa with two blunt horns, black skin usually grown in Hai Phong; thorny water chestnuts with black skin, having two sharp horns grown in Thai Binh and buffalo horn water chestnuts with two sharp thorns, one small thorn in the middle grown in Phu Tho.
- Although humble, water chestnuts carry a very unique flavor. This flavor can only be fully appreciated when savored slowly. It is a sweet, rich, and creamy taste that gradually melts in the mouth, making one enamored.
Benefits of water chestnuts
- Water chestnuts are dubbed “ginseng for the poor” because they may look unsightly, but their skin and flesh contain very good medicinal components.
- According to traditional medicine, this type of tuber has a sweet taste and cool nature, helping to treat stomach diseases, fevers, headaches, clear heat, detoxify, and promote urination.
- The flesh of the water chestnut is a rich source of starch and protein, so it can replace daily cereals.
- Moreover, young water chestnuts eaten raw also have effects in cancer prevention, hangover relief, and very good treatment of rashes.
See more:
So, TasteVN has completed the guide on how to boil water lily tuber deliciously, rich and creamy without being mushy. Wishing you success in making a delicious boiled water lily tuber to enjoy with your family!
*Refer to images and recipes from the Youtube channel Tuyên Nấm Lùn
