中文：剁椒泡洋姜
Jerusalem artichoke might be considered weeds because they can grow big and tall like crazy and take up a lot of space. I have seen miles of Jerusalem artichokes in New York suburbs. Their little yellow flowers shine like sunflowers in May afternoon sun. It was beautiful. Also what a shame that people nearby have no idea what they miss here if they only admire their flowers. The root is the delicious part.
Sichuan province is widely famous for two things in China: hot and spicy food and Sichuan style pickled vegetables. Pickles can be found in almost every family here. A lot of vegetables can be pickled in a dark colored clay jar sealed with water on the edge. It is the taste of home and comfort food for all the people from Sichuan area.
We brought a clay jar back to America on one of our trip to China. Ever since then, it is like my kitchen is cast with a special spell. That familiar taste of pickled vegetables from this simple jar can always take us back to home.
My friend sent me two small Jerusalem artichoke plants last spring. They grew into two giant plants! I dig up their roots before winter comes.
If you want continuous supply of Jerusalem artichoke, just leave behind one or two pieces of root in the ground. They will come back the next spring.
Rinse well under running water
Air dry Jerusalem artichoke roots for 2 to 4 hours.
Add them to the pickle jar where the food magic will take place. They shall be ready to eat in a couple weeks; shorter or longer than that depending on their size.
They can be served as an appetizer or side dish
I like to cut them into bite size and stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons garlic chili paste, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, and a little sugar.
Ok, you still have no idea how to make it? That is fine. They can be found in Asian grocery stores. If you don’t want to go through all the trouble to make some pickle you haven’t even heard of but still curious how it taste. Just go to the nearest Asian store. You might also find all the kinds of other pickled vegetable on the shelves too. Don’t be afraid to try them as well. It might just be the new beginning of your food adventure! O(∩_∩)O~
