Braised Lotus

• Pork: either meat, spare ribs, or trotter; OR Soy beans, soaked at least one hour; OR Soy milk sticks (jee jook), soaked
• Lotus root, peeled and chopped or sliced

In a braising pot, brown pork (or soy beans or sticks) and lotus. Add bean curd cheese, peanuts (if desired), and a small amount of water; stir, making a special effort to disperse the cheese into a sauce. Add water to a depth of about ½ inch, season with soy sauce and a hefty pinch of sugar (or red dates). Simmer this concoction, covered, on low heat until lotus and meat are tender, 1 to 2 hou