Sweet & pungent lotus root with pork

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsLotus root
½poundsPork butt
2Slices fresh ginger root
1tablespoonPeanut oil
2tablespoonsSugar
3tablespoonsWater
1tablespoonThin soy sauce
2tablespoonsWhite vinegar
Cornstarch paste

Directions

Place pork & ginger in boiling water: simmer for 30 minutes.

Immediately transfer pork to bowl of iced water to cool for another 30 minutes. Slice pork with the grain in 2" strips. Wash & peel fresh lotus root. Slice crosswise into ¼" pieces. Blanch for 10 minutes in same water used for pork; drain in cold water. Arrange lotus root in circle of overlapping slices on round serving plate; mound pork in center. Cover & reserve.

In wok or saucepan, heat oil to medium hot. Add sugar, water, soy sauce & vinegar. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then add cornstarch paste to make light sauce. Cook briefly. Pour sauce over lotus root & pork. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve slightly warm.