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Food of the Week: Shakin’ the Shitake

Posted May 12, 2008 at 04:00 PM by Katie Drummond

Section: Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Recipes, Special Features, Food of the Week

This week, we’re getting a little exotic, and encouraging you to mix up your usual cooking routine with a very special mushroom – the shitake, a staple of sushi joints and Asian stir fries, is our Food of the Week.

Shitake mushrooms have long been known as a symbol of longevity in Asian cultures, and used for medicinal purposes for over 6,000 years in some Chinese communities. Now, you can find them on the shelves of your local grocery store, thanks to a smoky flavor that makes them ideal for delicious dining.

These friendly fungi can help boost your immune system to stave off spring colds, thanks to the active compound lentinan. Studies have shown that lentinan can be more effective than prescription drugs in powering up the immune system against infection and disease. One study of HIV patients showed a boosted immune response when the subjects were given doses of lentinan. The compound may even have anti-cancer activity.

Pick up some fresh shitake mushrooms to shake up that stir fry for dinner tonight. Service this mushroom, broccoli and tofu dish with brown rice for a protein-packed, immunity-boosting meal.

Recipe Profile

Perfect for: A family dinner that can be made in a hurry

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

1 stalk broccoli, chopped
1 lb. tofu (firm or extra-firm)
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup fresh shitaken mushrooms
3 cloves of garlic
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp oregano
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp corn starch

Start by tossing the onion into your wok (or frying pan) in sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic for five minutes, then the broccoli and mushrooms.

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Tags: anti-cancer properties, asian food, food of the week, fungi, immune boosting food, lentinan, medicinal purposes, mushroom, recipe, shitake, stir fry

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