Aromatic Crown Daisy and Fresh Lettuce Salad with Creamy Tofu
Aromatic Crown Daisy and Fresh Lettuce Salad with Creamy Tofu
Crown Daisy and Lettuce Salad with Tofu for a Nutty Flavor Boost
My garden is bursting with crown daisy and lettuce! They’re growing so fast under the hot sun, it’s almost too much to handle. I decided to share some and try cooking with the rest. Steamed and dressed, it turned out surprisingly delicious! Using the crown daisy recipe, I also steamed and dressed lettuce, which gave it a wonderfully refreshing, slightly bitter taste that whets the appetite. Enjoy plenty of crown daisy and lettuce this summer!
Ingredients- 1 bunch young crown daisy (approx. 50g)
- 150g tofu (firm or regular)
- 1 pinch salt (for seasoning)
- 1 Tbsp anchovy sauce (for savory depth)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 stalk green onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 Tbsp plum extract (for subtle sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds or ground sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh young crown daisy. Tender young leaves cook quickly and taste great. If it’s started to flower, it will be even more fragrant! Gently rinse the leaves under running water before blanching. Washing too vigorously can damage the delicate leaves.
Step 2
Bring about 1000ml (approx. 5 cups) of water to a rolling boil in a pot. Add 1/2 Tbsp of salt to the boiling water before adding the crown daisy.
Step 3
Once the water is boiling, add the crown daisy and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy. Immediately rinse the blanched crown daisy in cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water thoroughly by hand. This ensures the dressing adheres well and prevents a watery texture.
Step 4
Finely chop the green onion, including both white and green parts. The aromatic green onion will enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
Step 5
Adding too much tofu can overpower the delicate flavor of the crown daisy and make the dish feel heavy or dry, more like a tofu salad than a vegetable dish. Use a moderate amount to complement the greens.
Step 6
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic and chopped green onion. Add the tofu and gently mash it with a spoon or fork. Breaking up the tofu into smaller pieces will help it absorb the dressing better.
Step 7
Cut the squeezed crown daisy into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm long, so they are easy to eat. If you’re using lettuce as well, cut it to a similar size to mix in for added texture and volume.
Step 8
Add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a nutty richness. You can also use perilla oil, or a mix of both sesame and perilla oils for a more complex aroma.
Step 9
Season the salad with anchovy sauce for a savory and umami flavor. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt if needed. Gently toss all the ingredients together with your hands to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. This gentle mixing is key to a well-seasoned dish. Even common lettuce becomes a special side dish when prepared with this crown daisy recipe. Finally, add 1/2 Tbsp of plum extract for a subtle sweetness and refreshing hint. Plum extract is also beneficial for digestion, making it a great addition to summer dishes.
