I was introduced to burdock root in one of my first classes at Natural Gourmet. I had seen it in my local market before, but I never knew anything about it. During this veggie demo class, our teacher sliced up the burdock and sauteed then with some shiitakes, sesame oil and shoyu. It was so simple and yet so delicious, and chock full of health benefits. So when I came across some burdock at my market this week, I decided it was time to try cooking with it.

I mixed it up with some shiitakes, carrots and celery and attempted to recreate what our teacher had made. It’s such a simple dish and it packs flavor and fulfills. Below are the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the ingredients  from  Rebecca Wood’s New Whole Foods Encyclopedia, followed by the recipe…

Burdock Root
Burdock stimulates bile secretions and is an excellent source of blood-sugar-lowering inulin, making it good for diabetic conditions. It restores the body to normal health by cleansing and purifying the blood, supporting digestion and eliminating toxins.

Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitakes support the spleen, stomach and liver functions. By detoxifying the system, and helping to dispel phlegm and mucus, ther are a restorative. They contain two potent substances with provem pharmacological effects as immune regulators and antiviral and antitumor agents: they also positively affect the cardiovascular sysem. They treat diseases involving depressed immune system function, including cancer, AIDS, environmental allergies, candidiasis infections and frequent flu and colds. In addition they sooth bronchial inflammation, regulate urine, incontinence, and reduce chronic high cholesterol. Shiitakes are also rich in vitamins D, B2 and B12, and are a good source of minerals when grown in a mineral-rich medium. They contain 2.5 percent protein.

Carrot
Carrots nourish the liver, lungs and stomach. As an anticarcinogen, they help clear heat, dispel toxins and move energy. They also counter intestinal gas and parasites, help prevent constipation, stabilize blood sugar and treat indigestion. They relieve menstrual pain and premenstrual irritability and improve skin health. They are a great source of vitamin A. They improve night vision and help prevent senile cataracts. They are rich in silicon and therefore aid calcium metabolism.

Celery
Celery is a cooling vegetables that treats the stomach, liver, kidneys and bladder. It helps settle an inflamed liver, dispels wind, and helps lubricate or moisten he internal organs. It disperses water, damp and heat. Since Greek times, celery has been valued as a hangover cure, nerve tonic and blood cleanser. It contains coumarin compounds, which tone the vascular system and help reduce blood pressure by relaxing the muscle tissue in the artery walls and thus enhance blood flow.

Coconut Aminos
According to the Coconut Aminos website, this soy sauce replacer is made from the sap of coconut trees which is very low glycemic, is an abundant source of amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, broad-spectrum B vitamins, and has a nearly neutral pH.

Sesame Oil
Sesame oil contains a natural antioxidant that enhances its stability. Sesame seeds support the kidneys, liver and large intestine. They have the highest total phytocholesterol content of any ood commonly eaten in the United States and thus help lower cholesterol. They also help produce regular bowel movemens. Sesame seeds contain more than 35% protein, more than any nut, they are about 50% oil and are high in vitamin E, giving them excelent antioxidant properties.

1 stick of burdock julienned
1 carrot julienned
1 piece of celery julienned
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 tbs coconut aminos (or soy sauce / tamari)
1 tbs sesame oil
1 tsp toasted sesame oil to finish dish with

Heat sesame oil in pan over medium high heat, add burdock and saute for a minute or two, then add carrot and garlic. Saute again and then add celery and shiitakes. Stir and pour in coconut aminos. Add in toasted sesame oil, toss and remove from heat and plate the dish.