Wai San is a potato-like root vegetable that I discovered at an Oakland Farmers market several years ago. It turned out to be delicious addition to this ginger coconut soup!
I watched the mass of shoppers hover around the table for at least 10 minutes before I mustered up enough courage to elbow my way in and take a look. I was surprised to see a knobby, speckled, skinny root vegetable staring back at me. I had no idea what it was and given all the hustle around me, I doubted I’d get an answer even if I asked.
I walked away, but it didn’t take long for my curiosity to get the better of me. Finally, on my last lap through the Farmers Market there was a lighter crowd swarming the vendor. I stepped up, analyzed the unfamiliar root, and I caught his eye. I asked what it was. He responded twice with the proper name, and I’m sure my face revealed that not only could I not hear over the people, but that I also couldn’t understand him.
His next response was, “Chinese potato. You cook it like potato in a soup.
Sold. I grabbed up a handful and he nodded in acknowledgement that I only needed a few for soup.
After a bit of research, I think I finally found the name for this new-to-me vegetable. I say – I think – because it wasn’t easy to come by. I have found a couple of blogs which identify it as Wai San.
It’s long and thin, and almost looks like it has dots. Check.
When it’s peeled, its starch is sticky and a little glue-like. Check.
It boils up like a potato, yet it has a blander flavor. Check.
If you happen to know it by another name, please let me know in the comments. I’d love to learn more about it.
This being my first attempt at cooking with Wai San I didn’t want to get too adventurous. I stuck to the recommendation for soup, and I wasn’t let down.
Cut into small pieces, it takes less time to cook than potato. It has a similar texture, but it’s less starchy. It’s almost like a cross between a carrot and a potato, but with little flavor. That is, until you mix it with the ginger, coconut milk, and shrimp in this soup. Then it becomes all kinds of delicious.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- ½-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped Wai San
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
- 3 cups seafood stock
- ½ pound cooked shrimp, chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2-3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high in a large soup pot. Add the onion, garlic and celery. Cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the ginger. Add the Wai San and cook 1 more minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and seafood stock. Bring to a low boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer about 5 minutes or just until the Wai San is tender.
- Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook just until the shrimp are heated through, about 1 minute. Top each bowl of soup with green onions and serve warm.
It is a type of yam, slimy after peeled, isn’t it? True, I too like having yam in soups, various soups; this refreshing version included : ).
I love learning about new foods! And way to go on trying something new! The soup looks delicious, I love the flavors. I’ll have to look for wai san or that root vegetable in my neck of the woods.
Oh this looks so good! I’ve never seen that vegetable but am very curious to check it out.
TasteHongKong – Yes! That’s it.
yumivore – Thank you! I’m always on the lookout for something new!
Andrea – Thanks! I really liked it. Potato would work well though too.
I never seen this wai san…but from your description sounds good in the soup…like the ginger and coconut.
Thanks for introducing me to this new food item.
Hope you are having a great week Lori 🙂
I think this ingredient is so cool! A person who is passionate about food, notices new ingredients and is excited about trying them in new dishes. I love it.
Velva