12 Plant-Based Recipes Featuring Edible Aquatic Plants

Edible aquatic plants are plants that grow in water or in areas with high moisture content and that have parts that are safe and tasty to eat. Two of the most popular edible aquatic plants are lotus and watercress. Lotus has a unique nutty and slightly sweet flavor, and watercress has a distinct peppery flavor. Both bring unique flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits to a wide range of dishes!

1. Caramelized Garlic-Chili Lotus Stems With Mung Bean Noodles

Source: Caramelized Garlic-Chili Lotus Stems With Mung Bean Noodles

Lotus blossoms are the national flower of India and the entire plant is popular in Indian cuisine for its unique flavor and unadulterated beauty. This particular Caramelized Garlic-Chili Lotus Stems With Mung Bean Noodles recipe by Anuja Kohli Mariwala caramelizes the fibrous stems of the lotus plant in a zesty garlic-chili sauce and serves them over a bed of mung bean noodles. This is an easy way you can impress your friends and these noodles can be served as a light meal or an exciting side.

2. Lotus Root Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yum Raak Bue)

Source: Lotus Root Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yum Raak Bue)

Lotus root, or the rhizome of the lotus flower, is a root vegetable used in many Asian cuisines. It provides a crisp bite with sweet and savory flavors and has many health benefits as well. If you like spicy food, add either a few Thai chile peppers (pounded) or a few drops of chile-garlic oil at the end of this Lotus Root Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yum Raak Bue) recipe by Sarah Jansala.

3. Palak Nadir: Spinach and Lotus Stem Curry

Source: Palak Nadir: Spinach and Lotus Stem Curry

Palak nadir, or spinach and lotus stem curry, is a Kashmiri dish that is typically prepared for religious ceremonies or in the home. This quick Palak Nadir: Spinach and Lotus Stem Curry recipe by Pavani Nandula could not be easier to make and the result is earthy and delicious in spite of how few ingredients are used. It uses all dry masalas with aromatics and the unique addition of black salt. This super tasty curry goes perfectly with either steamed rice or roti.

4. Lotus Chips 

Source: Lotus Chips 

These Lotus Chips by Lera Krasovskaya are extremely easy to make, but their exotic looking appearance would complement any kind of buffet. Best served with hummus but any other dip would certainly do too.

5. Macrobiotic Sweet and Sour Tempeh

Source: Macrobiotic Sweet and Sour Tempeh

This hearty Macrobiotic Sweet and Sour Tempeh by Alex Jack and Sachi Kato blends tastes, flavors, and textures in delicious, uplifting harmony. Tempeh, carrots, burdock, and lotus root are combined with a sweet, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with brown rice.

6. 15-Minute Zucchini, Pea, and Watercress Minestrone

Source: 15-Minute Zucchini, Pea, and Watercress Minestrone

This is a traditional minestrone soup with a seasonal twist. Spring pea and zucchini offer a fresher flavor to this soup. Although it’s a light meal, it will satisfy all the family. This 15-Minute Zucchini, Pea, and Watercress Minestrone recipe by Katy Beskow calls for small strands of broken spaghetti in this dish because you likely have a box on hand, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta varieties! Keep this soup chunky and serve it with wedges of crusty bread.

7. Watercress Soup

Source: Watercress Soup

This easy Asian Watercress Soup by Korie Kha has a slightly bitter taste, with some subtle sweetness. The combination of tender watercress leaves, red dates, carrots, ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil is both unique and flavorful. Pair this soup with a bowl of white rice for a filling meal.

8. Heart-Shaped Beet Gnocchi With Watercress Pesto

Source: Heart-Shaped Beet Gnocchi With Watercress Pesto

In this Heart-Shaped Beet Gnocchi With Watercress Pesto recipe by Christine Melanson, beet-and-potato gnocchi is cut into heart shapes and then served over a pesto made with watercress and walnuts. The pesto is light in flavor, allowing you to experience the full flavor of the earthy beets. This dish is the perfect way to indulge in something unique with somebody you love.

11. Smoky Chickpea and Watercress Salad

Source: Smoky Chickpea and Watercress Salad

Once roasted, the chickpeas take on a deep smoky flavor that makes a terrific snack on their own. They can also be used to add interest to soups or cooked grains or other recipes where a smoky flavor is welcome. This Smoky Chickpea and Watercress Salad recipe by One Green Planet will be your new favorite way to enjoy them.

12. Sweet Potato and Beet Salad

Source: Sweet Potato and Beet Salad

This Sweet Potato and Beet Salad by Ksenia Prints takes ordinary ingredients and combines them in such a way to make a unique dish. Beets and yams are sliced and roasted until tender and creamy, then stacked on top of each other, sprinkled with watercress leaves, and drizzled with a salty-sweet umami miso dressing. Serve this refreshing salad as an elegant starter and your guests will never look at sweet potatoes and beets the same!

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