Anti-inflammatory Beef Brisket Stew With Daikon Radish

The daikon radish is one of those little known superfoods that appears most often as a garnish in sushi restaurants. But with very low calories/cholesterol and a high amount of fiber, it’s a shame to relegate it to just a garnish.

Daikon contains many plant compounds that may improve health and offer protection against certain diseases. One test-tube study found that daikon extract contained the polyphenol antioxidants ferulic acid and quercetin, both of which have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune-boosting properties.

Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system's response to injury and infection. It is the body's way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.

According to Dr. Mercola, Daikon may help optimize your well-being by:

• Boosting digestive health and help you maintain a healthy weight
• Assisting in detoxification — As a diuretic, daikon may help stimulate urination, which is necessary for keeping the kidneys clean.
• Help strengthening the immune system and cleansing the blood.
• Promoting bone and skin health — Its high calcium content may help alleviate osteoporosis. The liquid from boiled daikon leaves is also known to help reduce excess skin oils and odors.

It is very high in Vitamin C, potassium, and phosphorus. Additionally, it contains several beneficial enzymes that aid in digestion as well as phytonutrients that help to fight against cancer.

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs beef brisket, trimmed and cut in cubes
• 1 daikon radish, cut in cubes
• 1 tablespoon red chili bean paste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine
• 3 stalks green onion cut in 2 inches long
• 4 slices ginger
• 4 cloves garlic smashed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1-star anise
• 2 black cardamoms
• 1 tangerine peel
• green onion for garnish
• cornstarch or flour to thicken

Directions
1. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, the rest of the green onions, and chili bean paste to the pan. Keep stirring until fragrant. Transfer to your clay pot.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients in a clay pot and 4 cups of water.
3. Set on stew to cook for 2-3 hours until brisket becomes tender.
4. (Optional) in the last 10 minutes of cooking, add cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce.

Serve with noodles pasta or rice.