Iron-rod yam bears rust-like marks on its surface, hence its name. As a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient, it can be processed into various pills, such as Liuwei Dihuang Wan, for consumption. As a vegetable, it offers a delicate, smooth texture and distinctive flavor, making it an ideal food for dietary therapy and wellness.
Rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, iron rod yam simultaneously fortifies the qi and nourishes the yin of the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, making it a rare treasure for dual qi-yin supplementation. Ordinary yam, however, lacks the nutritional and medicinal value of iron rod yam and is used primarily for cooking. Therefore, incorporate iron rod yam into your daily wellness regimen.
How to Prepare Iron Stick Yam
1. Iron Stick Yam and Black Sesame Porridge
Ingredients: Rice, iron stick yam, black sesame seeds, pear juice, rock sugar.
Method:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly. Wash the iron stick yam, wear gloves, scrape off the skin, and cut into small chunks.
2. Place rice, iron stick yam, and black sesame seeds into a pressure cooker. Add sufficient water, then add two large chunks of rock sugar. Cover the lid.
3. Bring to high heat until steam rises, then reduce to low heat and cook for 10 minutes.
II. Honey-Glazed Yam
Ingredients: 500g yam,20g goji berries, 150g sugar, 2 teaspoons (10ml) osmanthus paste, oil. Method: 1. Wear gloves, wash the yam, peel it, and cut into 1cm-square, 5cm-long strips. Soak in water to prevent oxidation and darkening; drain before use. Soak goji berries in water until softened.
2. Heat sufficient oil in a wok (enough to submerge the yam) until it reaches 70% heat. Add the yam pieces and fry over medium heat until slightly golden. Remove and drain excess oil.
3. Discard the oil from the wok, wash it clean, then add about 100ml water. Add sugar and simmer until dissolved.
4. Once the syrup thickens to a molasses-like consistency, add the yam and goji berries, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Stir in osmanthus paste until well combined, then remove from heat.
III. Yam and Pork Rib Soup
Ingredients: Yam, red dates, pork ribs, scallion segments, ginger slices, salt, chicken bouillon, goji berries.
Method:
1. Cut pork ribs into small pieces and wash. Peel yam and cut into chunks.
2. Blanch ribs and yam separately, then drain.
3. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add ribs, scallion segments, ginger slices, and Shaoxing wine. Simmer for 30 minutes.Add the yam, red dates, salt, chicken bouillon, and seasonings. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Add goji berries just before serving.
Method:
1. Dice carrots and red bell pepper into pieces similar in size to peas. Wear disposable gloves and carefully peel the yam skin.
2. Cut the yam into pieces similar in size to the other ingredients. Rinse the yam pieces under running water to remove most of the mucilage.
3. Bring water to a boil, add all ingredients, and blanch for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water once.
3. Bring water to a boil. Blanch all ingredients for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under running water.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced scallions and garlic until fragrant. Add all ingredients and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, chicken bouillon, sugar, a splash of light soy sauce, and black pepper.
5. Finally, thicken with a light cornstarch slurry.
V. Candied Yam with Threads
Ingredients: 500g yam, 100g white sugar, green and red sugar threads, goji berries, vegetable oil (as needed).
Method:
1. Peel and wash the yam, then cut into diamond-shaped chunks. Rinse goji berries and chop finely.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok until moderately hot (60-70% heat). Fry yam chunks until golden brown, tender inside, and crispy outside. Drain thoroughly.
3. Reserve a small amount of oil in the wok. Add sugar and stir until it turns pale yellow and forms threads. Add fried yam, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle with green and red threaded peppers and goji berries before serving.
3. Leave a small amount of oil in the wok. Add white sugar and stir-fry until the sugar syrup turns light yellow and forms threads. Add the fried yam, toss to coat evenly, then sprinkle with green and red shredded carrots and goji berries.
Helpful Tip: Yam skin can cause skin allergies, so wear gloves when peeling. Adding a little white vinegar to the water helps remove the yam's mucilage.