Fragrant lettuce, a variety of lettuce, is easy to grow and quick to propagate, making it a popular choice in Vietnam. Its stem is cylindrical and branches at the apex. The leaves grow singly, with soft petioles, long and broad blades that do not curl. The leaves are slender, with slightly serrated margins. As the plant matures, the leaf tips become smaller and taper.
Fragrant lettuce is a nutrient-rich vegetable, especially beneficial for the growth and development of children, the elderly, and women in their pre-menopausal years. It is packed with essential vitamins such as vitamins A, B1, and B2, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and protein. This vegetable is a great way to boost your nutrition, especially when consumed raw.
Due to its nutritional benefits, fragrant lettuce is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. It can also be cooked in soups, hot pots, or stir-fries.
Health Benefits of Fragrant Lettuce:
Cooling and Weight Loss: Fragrant lettuce has a cooling effect on the body, making it an ideal choice during the summer heat. It also aids in weight loss, as it is low in calories, containing only about 15 calories per 100 grams.
Eye Health and Disease Prevention: Zeaxanthin, a component of fragrant lettuce, improves vision and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. The flavonoids present in the vegetable also exhibit lung and oral cancer-fighting properties.
Skin and Vision Nutrition: Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, fragrant lettuce contributes to healthy skin and improved eyesight.
Reproductive Support: With its folate and vitamin C content, fragrant lettuce supports fetal development and boosts immunity.
Bone Health: Vitamin K in fragrant lettuce aids in calcium absorption, preventing osteoporosis and strengthening the skeletal system.
Fragrant lettuce, with its array of nutritional benefits, is an excellent choice for a daily diet, supporting overall health and well-being.
How to Cook Fragrant Lettuce Soup with Minced Meat
Ingredients:
500g fragrant lettuce
200g minced meat
2 tomatoes
Scallions, cooking oil, salt, and seasoning powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Marinate the minced meat with 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
Cut the fragrant lettuce stems, discarding any wilted leaves. Wash the lettuce thoroughly and soak it in a diluted salt solution for 10-15 minutes to remove any dirt or impurities.
Wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges.
Clean the scallions and finely chop the white parts for sautéing.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Heat some cooking oil in a pan and add the chopped scallions (or shallots) to infuse their aroma. Then, add the minced meat and cook until it changes color and absorbs the flavors.
Once the meat is nearly cooked, add the tomato wedges and continue cooking until they soften.
Pour some water into the pot and bring it to a boil. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
When the water boils and the tomatoes are soft, add the fragrant lettuce and stir gently. As the lettuce cooks quickly, you can turn off the heat once the water boils again. ( Optionally, you can add a bit of seasoning powder for extra flavor.)
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
With these simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious soup for your family. For an even richer flavor, you can replace the water with chicken or bone broth.
