How to Cook Lotus Seeds (Stove Top or Instant Pot)

Step 1

To cook: Fill pot (with lid) or Instant Pot with 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon sea salt.

Step 2

Add 1 to 2 cups lotus seeds, depending on how much you want to make (they double in volume when cooked; so 1 cup dried seeds will yield 2 cups cooked).

Step 3

Stove top: Bring water to a simmer, reduce heat so steady simmer is maintained when pot is covered. Cook 35 minutes. Remove pot from heat source. Allow seeds to remain in covered pot for 30 to 60 minutes, which completes a gentle cooking, without over-cooking.

Step 4

Instant Pot: Press Manual button, and adjust time to 8 minutes. When timer goes off, allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then do a QPR.

Step 5

Pour seeds into colander to strain. Use as needed in recipes.

Step 6

Strained seeds can be stored, covered, in the fridge, for up to 4 days.