Burdock

Burdock or gobo is a long, fibrous root that can be eaten raw (sliced in salads) or cooked. A familiar recipe is Kimpira.

• Kimpira
• 1/2 lb of gobo
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (can use a little sesame oil)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Cayenne pepper

Scrape the exterior of the root with a sharp knife to remove the skin. Cut gobo into thin matchstick size. Soak gobo in water for 15 minutes and rinse. Do this a couple of times. Soak gobo in ice water, drain and pat dry (the gobo may be frozen at this point). Add oil to hot pan and sauté gobo for 3-4 minutes. Add all ingredients and cook until all the liquid is absorbed. Take off heat and add cayenne pepper.