4thickroughly six inch sections of burdock flower shoot, outer skin removed, then peeled
4cupsvegetable stockpreferably homemade
¼of a fresh lemon
Kosher saltto taste
Instructions
Using a vegetable peeler (The kitchen standard is Kuhn Rikon) or a mandoline on a very thin setting, shave the burdock flower stalks or shoots as thin as possible into long noodles. Cook the noodles in the vegetable stock with the lemon, seasoning gently with salt to taste, at a gentle simmer until just tender, about 15 - 20 minutes. Drain the noodles and reserve.
To cook the noodles, warm some oil or fat in a pan, then add the noodles and gently cook over medium/low heat until very lightly browned. From here, you can do whatever you want, I really enjoyed mine with a little sesame oil, ramp flowers, slice hot chili and sesame seeds.
Notes
After cooking the noodles will turn a shade of grey, this is natural. I include the lemon in the cooking liquid for flavor, but it is optional, it will not stop the noodles from turning grey once cooked.
Makes enough noodles for two small servings or garnishes to an entree