Do you want to learn a new cooking skill that will revolutionize your meals? Look no further! Discovering how to cook tasty gluten-free Job’s Tears will be your best-learned cooking skill for this year and beyond. In this article, you will not only learn how to cook Job’s Tears to use in other dishes, but also how to make tea and soup with Job’s Tears, and understand the health benefits of this ancient Asian grain. Get ready to explore the wonders of Job’s Tears and enhance your culinary repertoire.
What are Job’s Tears?
Job’s Tears, also known as Coix seeds, HATO MUGI, or Yi Yi Ren, are delicious and nutritious Ancient Asian grains that are gaining popularity as the new gluten-free super grain. These tear-shaped seeds have a bluish-gray porcelain appearance and are the edible part of the whole grass plant. Job’s Tears have been used for thousands of years in Asia and have various names such as Chinese Pearl Barley, Coix Lachryma, and Coix ma-yuen. Don’t be confused by the name—Job’s Tears are not barley, but they do resemble it. Their hard outer shell needs to be removed before consumption. The seeds have been used for prayer beads, toys, and teething rings, showcasing their versatility.
Where can you find Job’s Tears?
If you’re eager to try Job’s Tears, you can easily find them in Asian food stores or purchase them online. They are naturally gluten-free, but if you have celiac disease, ensure they are manufactured in a gluten-free facility to avoid any cross-contamination. Their taste is similar to oatmeal, with a slight nutty flavor and a texture reminiscent of hominy. With their mild taste and slightly chewy texture, Job’s Tears are set to replace other gluten-free grains like quinoa and rice.
How to cook Tasty Gluten-Free Job’s Tears for other dishes…
Cooking Job’s Tears is as easy as cooking rice, and it opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Follow these simple steps:
- Rinse 1 cup of dried Job’s Tears in a colander, just like you would rinse rice.
- Place the rinsed Job’s Tears in a pot and add enough water to cover them by a couple of inches. Put a lid on the pot.
- Bring the Job’s Tears to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow simmer. Cook for about 45-55 minutes or until tender but still chewy in texture.
You don’t need to soak the Job’s Tears, but soaking them can reduce the cooking time by a few minutes if you prefer. After cooking, drain the Job’s Tears and they are ready to be used in any of your favorite dishes.
If you want to make a soup or tea with Job’s Tears, don’t throw away the cooking liquid.
How to make a tea with Job’s Tears seeds…
To make a refreshing tea with Job’s Tears, follow these steps:
- Follow the cooking instructions mentioned above up to step 3.
- Strain the liquid from the cooked Job’s Tears into a mug.
- Add a little dash of salt or sugar to taste.
- Enjoy your homemade Job’s Tears tea!
How to make a sweet dessert soup with tasty gluten-free Job’s Tears…
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this recipe for a delicious dessert soup:
- Rinse 1 cup of dried Job’s Tears in a colander, just like you would rinse rice.
- Place the rinsed Job’s Tears in a pot and add enough water to cover them by a couple of inches. Put a lid on the pot.
- Bring the Job’s Tears to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow simmer. Cook for about 45-55 minutes or until tender but still chewy in texture.
- After cooking, do not drain the remaining water/juice from the boiled Job’s Tears in the pot. Instead, keep the water and add another 1.5 cups of water, rock sugar to taste, a pinch of salt, ¼ cup goji berries, ¾ cup dried Chinese Dates or longans, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla if desired.
- Simmer the mixture for another 12 minutes until the goji berries and dried Chinese red dates have softened. Stir occasionally.
- Serve the sweet dessert soup in bowls and savor the delightful combination of flavors!
How to make a savory soup with tasty gluten-free Job’s Tears
For a hearty and nutritious savory soup, follow these steps:
- Rinse 1 cup of dried Job’s Tears in a colander, just like you would rinse rice.
- Place the rinsed Job’s Tears in a pot and add enough water or chicken broth to cover them by a couple of inches. Put a lid on the pot.
- Add approximately 1 cup of combined cut-up carrots, celery, daikon vegetables, and ¾ cup finely chopped chicken to the broth.
- Bring the Job’s Tears to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow simmer. Cook for about 45-55 minutes or until tender but still chewy in texture.
- Keep the residual water in the pot and add approximately 2 cups of chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Now, you have a savory soup that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.
We have also prepared a spicy ginger garlic Job’s Tears stir fry recipe for you to try. Learning how to cook tasty gluten-free Job’s Tears is simpler than cooking rice or lentils. There’s no need to worry about water evaporating or overcooking them. Apart from the cooking time of approximately 45-55 minutes, it is a hassle-free process. Stay tuned as we experiment with cooking Job’s Tears in rice cookers and slow cookers and share our findings with you.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Benefits
Job’s Tears have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat damp heat conditions. Damp heat conditions can arise due to external factors such as weather or internal factors like a poor diet filled with greasy foods or excessive alcohol consumption. Symptoms of damp heat can include a heavy feeling in the head or body, loss of appetite, fullness in the stomach area, sticky tongue coating, vaginal discharge, difficult urination, and a slippery pulse, among others. Some people may experience skin eruptions and joint pain.
Job’s Tears can help by promoting urination, strengthening the spleen, clearing heat and discharge, and reducing joint and muscle pain. However, it’s important to remember that Job’s Tears can only assist in alleviating symptoms and should not be used as a standalone treatment. To find long-lasting relief, you must address the underlying cause of damp heat, such as adjusting your environment’s humidity levels, improving your diet, or managing stress.
Individuals Who Should Avoid Job’s Tears
While Job’s Tears offer numerous health benefits, there are certain individuals who should avoid consuming them. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as diabetics, should exercise caution when considering Job’s Tears due to their potential impact on blood glucose levels. As with any dietary change, it’s essential to consult with your physician before incorporating Job’s Tears into your diet.
Remember, this article is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s always wise to seek professional advice before making significant changes to your diet or medical regime.
To explore more Traditional Chinese Medicine recipes and articles, visit our website. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest updates.
