Supports healthy bones, kidneys, adrenals, thyroid, hair, and can be helpful for weight loss–other therapeutic benefits at end of recipe.

 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried Arame
  • Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 2 cups alfalfa sprouts or mung bean sprouts
  • 1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1 bunch scallions, sliced thinly
  • Mirin – about 1/8 cup (rice cooking wine) Optional
  • Tamari or **GF Soy sauce –about 1 TB

 

Directions

  1. Rinse Arame and soak in enough room temperature water to cover for 5-10 minutes, Drain and then chop into small pieces. 
  2. Heat oil in a skillet and add the Arame, sautéing a few minutes over medium high heat. 
  3. Add water to almost cover the Arame, and simmer 20-30 minutes.  
  4. Remove cover and add Mirin and tamari or soy sauce and simmer uncovered until all liquid is absorbed into the Arame. 
  5. Turn off flame and stir in scallions, seeds and sprouts.  Serve warm. 
  6. For added flavor, add a splash of fresh lemon after you turn off the heat.

 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – Place unsalted, organic pumpkin seeds on a cookie sheet (no oil) and roast in the oven at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes, turning occasionally.  Roasting removes excess fat, helps you digest better, and makes the seeds tastier.

**Soy Sauce – (also called shoyu) –  contains amino acids, minerals, some B vitamins.  Even in small quantities, good quality shoyu can buffer acidic foods and aid in the digestion of some foods.  Buy soy sauce that is naturally fermented (traditionally brewed) aged 1-2 year in wooden vats – and free of additives or preservatives.  Use in cooking only to enhance the flavor of the foods you are cooking it with.  Avoid pouring it over food on your plate.

Purchase naturally aged tamari wheat-free soy sauce from a reputable Natural Foods Store.  Avoid popular supermarket brands that are highly processed.

Note

Quality matters. I prefer to purchase Arame and all sea vegetables from a reputable  Health Food Store rather than an Asian Market–they often contain artificial ingredients. I never purchase, nor do I recommend, sea vegetables from China or Hong Kong. My personal preference is Mitoku, a superior brand.  order arame here

 

Therapeutic Properties of Arame:

  • moistens dryness
  • softens hardened areas and masses in the body
  • benefits the thyroid
  • one of the richest sources of iodine and is highly concentrated in iron & calcium
  • excellent for alleviating high blood pressure
  • builds bones and teeth
  • traditionally used to treat feminine disorders and mouth afflictions
  • hijiki, arame, wakame, or any member of the kelp family, when consumed daily, can promote the growth of glossy hair and prevent its loss
  • they also help provide a clear complexion and soft, wrinkle free skin

Preparation

  • Used primarily as a side dish cooked with vegetables.  Needs to be cooked 20-30 minutes.  Reconstitute in room temperature water 10-15 minutes. (I use the soaking water on my house plants)
  • Sautéing in oil facilitates the digestion of oil-soluble vitamins

 

More Sea Vegetable Recipes Here

Learn more about Sea Vegetables in my post, Salt – Friend or Foe