How to Cook Jobs Tears: A Traditional and Nutritious Dish
Jobs tears, also known as Coix Seed or Job’s Tears, is a nutritious and versatile grain that has been used in traditional Chinese cuisine for centuries. These small, round seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to cook jobs tears, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious and nourishing dish at home.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, here are the ingredients you will need:
– 1 cup of jobs tears
– 2 cups of water
– 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (optional)
– 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (optional)
– 1 teaspoon of minced ginger (optional)
– 1 cup of your favorite vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
– 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (optional)
– 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (optional)
– 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
Step 1: Soak the Jobs Tears
The first step in cooking jobs tears is to soak them in water. This process helps to soften the seeds and make them more digestible. Place the 1 cup of jobs tears in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain the Jobs Tears
After soaking, rinse the jobs tears thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. Drain the seeds in a colander.
Step 3: Cook the Jobs Tears
In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the drained jobs tears and salt (if using) to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the seeds are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
While the jobs tears are cooking, chop your favorite vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly with the jobs tears.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and cook until they are tender-crisp. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Combine the Jobs Tears and Vegetables
Once the jobs tears are cooked, transfer them to the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and sugar (if using) to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious jobs tears dish is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it as a side dish, or as a main course with your favorite protein. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
Cooking jobs tears is a simple and rewarding process that yields a nutritious and satisfying meal. Give this traditional dish a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to incorporate this healthy grain into your diet.
