When I first heard about MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds, somehow I didn’t think they could possibly be popped seeds from the lotus flower, but that’s exactly what they are!
The seeds are underneath the lotus flower and one has to remove a brown casing, then pop them like popcorn while seasoning them at the same time. These MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds are flavored with butter and sea salt and they are DELICIOUS!!! Better yet, they’re low in calories and high in protein. It’s a snack that’s actually ok for you! I’m taking these to the movies – way better than that chemical laden popcorn they sell.
Lotus seeds are commonly used in Chinese medications for their healing benefits. They also contain an enzyme with powerful anti-aging properties so I’m going to eat them by the handful!
The company making MOM’S Popped Lotus Seeds is a small family owned business based in Boulder, Colorado. Their founder was first introduced to the deliciousness of popped lotus seeds as a child when his mother gave them to him as an afternoon snack. In his late 20’s, he found himself fed up with foods that were either chock full of calories or healthy but barely edible. He was determined to find a balance between good-for-you snacks and addicting junk food. That journey led him right back to his childhood.
Lotus seeds are known to be effective in alleviating restlessness, due to the natural sedative and calming effects of the seeds. Having raised two boys myself, I think the founder’s mother was one smart cookie, serving these as snack to a young energetic boy, right?
Besides being a delicious snack, I found them great to replace croutons – and better for you with all of these benefits!! My garden was loaded with sorrel last weekend so I made this quick and easy Tangy Sorrel & Potato Soup with Bacon, topped with MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds and it was soooo good!! And, the popped lotus seeds are gluten free as an added bonus.
Try this, if you haven’t already eaten them all.
TANGY SORREL & POTATO SOUP WITH BACON, TOPPED WITH MOM’s POPPED LOTUS SEEDS – serves 4 – 5
1Tbs. unsalted butter
2 oz. nitrate-free smoky bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 quarts chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
1/2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 Tbs. heavy cream
1/2 lb. sorrel, stems discarded, leaves coarsely chopped.
1 cup of MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds, Sea Salt flavor
Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the bacon and cook over moderately low heat until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until almost evaporated, about 4 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sorrel. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with Mom’s Popped Lotus Seeds Sea Salt flavor.
Pass a bowl of more MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds at the table.
The soup can be made without the sorrel and refrigerated overnight. Bring to a simmer and add the coarsely chopped sorrel just before serving.
MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds can also be ground in a mini grinder, combined with a little freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and used to coat zucchini slices for a great gluten free “breading”. Saute in olive oil, drain on paper toweling. Serve with LOVE and some Roquefort cheese during your next cocktail hour.
There are just a few fall boxes left where you can
get your own bag of gluten free MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds!
And your purchase helps us support Feed The Children.
marcie says
What a delicious soup and I’m so intrigued by those popped lotus seeds! I’ve never had anything like them but they must add such a nice texture and flavor as a soup topping!
Mary Frances says
The soup was SO delicious and the Popped Lotus Seeds were the “icing on the cake!”
Amanda says
I’ve never heard of these lotus seeds before. How cool! This soup looks delicious!
Mary Frances says
Me neither Amanda. The popped lotus seeds are delicious – way better than croutons or popcorn.
Bam's Kitchen says
I have not seen lotus seeds except in HK, China. I did not even know they could be popped. That is a great idea to use this with parmesan cheese as a gluten-free breading. Your soup looks very cozy and delicious.
Mary Frances says
It’s all good Bobbi Ann – they’re popped like popcorn!! Thank you!!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I need to grow sorrel — rarely see it at the supermarket (although my local farmer’s market sometimes has it). Great looking soup — and soup is so perfect at this time of the year. Thanks!
John/Kitchen Riffs recently posted…Curried Cauliflower and Chicken Soup
Mary Frances says
Yes John – the soup was light enough yet still hot enough for this time of year. And yes, you should really grow sorrel – they never sell it in big enough bunches and it’s great!!
Holly | Beyond Kimchee says
I have not tried the sorrel nor the lotus seeds but your soup looks so comforting. Just what I need these days after the hard work of unpacking my stuff. I will definitely keep my eyes open for them when I go to the store next time. Very intriguing!
Mary Frances says
Oh please do Holly – I think you would LOVE this!!
Danielle Barry says
What a clever idea! This looks delicious, thanks for sharing this!
Mary Frances says
You’re so welcome!! Check them out Danielle!
Andrea says
These popped lotus seeds sound so interesting! I love all of the health benefits they have. I will definitely have to try them!
Mary Frances says
Yes they really are healthy for you, Andrea. Besides croutons, they’re a great guilt-free snack!
Brian finkelstein says
Using the popped lotus as a breading was such a great idea! I ate them by the handful, of course!
Mary Frances says
LOL – not hard to do!!