Kamal Kakdi or lotus Stem is an edible part of the lotus plant. Though called by different names, this stem makes yummy dishes with various styles in many parts of India. The most important thing to remember while buying it that its ends should be closed otherwise you will find its cleaning quite messy
Some Interesting Facts About This Unique Ingredient
The most interesting thing about the lotus plant is that this is so versatile and each part of it never goes wasted. This lotus stem is actually a root that is attached at the bottom of the lotus leaf and goes very deep into the water, sometimes 4 feet or more. This root is very nutritive and considered as the storehouse of various minerals. Those who intended to lose weight should include in the regular diet because of its high fibre content and low fat. Regular use in the diet controls the blood pressure and level of cholesterol
I make this dish in Punjabi Style as I have grown up to see the way it has been made. I fry its slices with potatoes and the crisp texture of both ingredients is worth cherishable. An onion- tomato masala enhances the flavours of this dish making you fond of you
INGREDIENTS
• Kamal kakdi/Lotus Stem/ Nadru – 250 gms(peeled and cut into medium-thick round slices)
• Potatoes – 2 -3 (cut into wedges)
• Onion – 1 big (sliced thinly)
• Chopped tomatoes – 3-4 medium-sized
• Chopped ginger – 1 tsp
• Chopped garlic – 1 tsp
• Chopped green chillies – 1 tsp
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp or to taste
• Red chilly powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder – 1 tsp each
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Water – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1- Heat oil in a kadahi and add potato wedges. Fry them at high flame until they turn golden brown
2- Take them out and add round slices of lotus stem. Fry them until they get a golden colour. Take them out for later use
3- In the same oil add cumin seeds, followed by chopped garlic, ginger and sliced onions.
4- Cook them a little and add all the powdered spices and salt
5- Next, add chopped tomatoes and green chillies and stir.
6- Time to add potato and Kamal kakdi fries. Mix everything so that masala coats well
7- Sprinkle 1 tbsp water and cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes. The dish will cook to perfection.
8- Serve the tasty Kamal kakdi sabji with roti or parantha