It is so easy to make a quick meal when you're prepared. There are a few essentials that I always have ready in my fridge. You can always find some kind of cashew cheese, a type of pumpkin seed pesto, cooked quinoa, sauerkraut, sprouts and a few salad dressings. I am never disappointed with a good tahini dressing. It could be as simple as tahini and lemon juice, but sometimes I want a bit more flavour and a little more depth in my dressings. Astragalus is one of the great Qi tonics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and this delightful root earns its place in the fridge. This is my new FAVOURITE dressing.
Qi Infused Tahini
Ingredients1/3 cup tahini 1/3 cup water 2 cloves garlic 3 tbsp. olive oil 3 tbsp. lemon juice handful basil, dill and parsley 2 tsp. Astragalus 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1 green onion |
MethodBlend all of the ingredients. I enjoyed this tasty dressing with steamed broccoli rabe, shaved radish, sliced cucumber, crushed almonds and marigold leaves. |
A note from Sun Potion on Astragalus
Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and is known there as one of the great Qi tonics — we call it The Great Protector. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years, and is found mostly in the northern and eastern regions of China. The root is the part traditionally used, and the part we source.
Photos: Brianna Beard
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Astragalus taste like in a dressing?
Mild, faintly sweet and slightly earthy — it sits comfortably behind the garlic, lemon and herbs rather than announcing itself.
How long does the dressing keep?
About five days in a sealed jar in the fridge. It thickens as it sits; loosen with a splash of water.
What is a Qi tonic?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi tonics are the herbs traditionally associated with everyday vitality. Astragalus is among the best known of them.
What should I serve it with?
Brianna uses steamed broccoli rabe, shaved radish, cucumber, crushed almonds and marigold leaves — but it works on any salad, grain bowl or roasted vegetable.
Head here to discover Brianna's Seaweed Salad with Yin Power Tahini Dressing!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
