Below is a detailed guide on **4 ways to make bird’s nest with lotus seeds** while preserving all the nutrients. Each recipe is crafted to optimize the health benefits of bird’s nest and lotus seeds.
—
### 1. Traditional Bird’s Nest with Lotus Seeds and Rock Sugar
**Ingredients:**
– Bird’s nest: 10-15g (around 1 piece)
– Fresh or dried lotus seeds: 50g
– Rock sugar: 20-30g (adjust to taste)
– Water: 500ml
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the bird’s nest:** Soak the bird’s nest in water for about 1-2 hours until soft. Rinse well and drain.
2. **Prepare the lotus seeds:**
– If using fresh lotus seeds, simply wash and remove the bitter cores.
– If using dried lotus seeds, soak in warm water for 2-3 hours until soft, then drain.
3. **Cook the bird’s nest and lotus seeds:**
– Add lotus seeds to a pot with 300ml water, bring to a boil, and simmer until soft (around 20 minutes).
– Add the bird’s nest to the pot and steam it for 15-20 minutes. Once both the bird’s nest and lotus seeds are tender, add rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. **Enjoy:** Serve hot or let it cool. Optionally, add a pandan leaf for extra fragrance.
**Benefits:** Provides energy, aids digestion, and promotes better sleep.
—
### 2. Bird’s Nest with Lotus Seeds and Red Dates
**Ingredients:**
– Bird’s nest: 10g
– Lotus seeds: 50g
– Red dates: 5-7 pieces
– Rock sugar: 20g
– Fresh ginger: 2 thin slices
– Water: 600ml
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the ingredients:**
– Soak the bird’s nest and lotus seeds as in the previous recipe.
– Wash red dates and soak in water until softened.
2. **Cook the bird’s nest:**
– Put lotus seeds and red dates into a pot with 400ml water, bring to a boil until the lotus seeds are soft.
– Add bird’s nest, ginger, and rock sugar to the pot and steam for an additional 15-20 minutes.
3. **Serve:** Best enjoyed hot to appreciate its rich, nourishing flavors.
**Benefits:** Helps replenish blood, boosts immunity, and enhances overall health.
—
### 3. Bird’s Nest with Lotus Seeds and Fresh Milk
**Ingredients:**
– Bird’s nest: 10g
– Lotus seeds: 50g
– Fresh milk (unsweetened): 200ml
– Rock sugar: 15g
– Water: 300ml
**Instructions:**
1. **Preparation:** Soak the bird’s nest and lotus seeds as in previous recipes.
2. **Cook the lotus seeds:** Place lotus seeds in a pot with water and simmer until tender.
3. **Steam the bird’s nest:**
– Add the bird’s nest to a steamer along with the lotus seeds for about 20 minutes.
– Once cooked, add fresh milk and rock sugar, steaming for an additional 5 minutes.
4. **Enjoy:** Can be served hot or cold. The dish combines the creamy texture of milk with the delicate softness of bird’s nest.
**Benefits:** Provides calcium, protein, and promotes healthy skin.
—
### 4. Bird’s Nest with Lotus Seeds and Coconut Water
**Ingredients:**
– Bird’s nest: 10g
– Lotus seeds: 50g
– Fresh coconut water: 300ml
– Rock sugar: 20g
– Pandan leaves: 2 leaves
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare:** Soak the bird’s nest and lotus seeds as described in earlier recipes. Wash the pandan leaves and tie them into a bundle.
2. **Steam the bird’s nest:**
– Cook lotus seeds with coconut water and pandan leaves until tender.
– Add bird’s nest and rock sugar, then steam for about 20 minutes.
3. **Serve:** Enjoy this dessert with its natural sweetness and the aroma of pandan leaves and coconut water.
**Benefits:** Helps cool the body, detoxify, and improve overall well-being.
—
### Tips for Preparing Bird’s Nest with Lotus Seeds
– **Do not overcook the bird’s nest:** Oversteaming can reduce the nutritional value of bird’s nest, so it is best to steam it for only 15-20 minutes.
– **Choose fresh ingredients:** Using fresh lotus seeds retains a better texture and flavor compared to dried ones.
– **Storage:** If not consumed immediately, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
### Health Benefits of Bird’s Nest and Lotus Seeds
1. **Bird’s nest**: Enhances collagen production, improves skin health, supports the immune system, and boosts overall wellness.
2. **Lotus seeds**: Improves sleep quality, supports digestion, reduces stress, and enhances skin complexion.
—
**Conclusion:** Each of these bird’s nest recipes provides exceptional health benefits while nourishing the body naturally. Try these recipes to create delicious and nutritious meals for your loved ones.
Hope you enjoy trying out these nutrient-rich recipes!