In Japanese, kinpira means 'golden pieces.' In English, it means rocket fuel. Loaded with folates and other essential nutrients, the burdock is one powerful energizer.

Ingredients
toasted sesame oil 
1/2 dried chili pepper, seeded, minced 
1 small sweet onion, thin half moon slices 
sea salt 
1 cup fine matchstick pieces burdock 
1 cup fine matchstick pieces carrot 
1 cup thinly sliced fresh lotus root 
soy sauce 
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated, juice extracted 

Directions 
Heat a small amount of oil in a deep skillet. Saute chili for several seconds. Add onion, a pinch of salt and saute until onions are limp, about 2 minutes. Add burdock, a pinch of salt and saute for 2 minutes more. Add carrot, a pinch of salt and saute 1 minute. Finally, stir in lotus root, season lightly with soy sauce, add ginger juice and cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is limp, 3-5 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender, but not mushy. 

Makes 3-5 servings.