Cooking With Lemongrass – Delicious And Healthy Meals For 2023

What is Lemongrass and What are its Benefits?

Lemongrass, also known as citronella, is a fragrant herb commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a distinct lemon aroma and flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from soups to salads to curries. The herb is also known for its health benefits, such as being a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Lemongrass is also believed to help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.

How to Choose and Store Lemongrass

When buying lemongrass, look for stalks that are free of blemishes and have a bright green color. When you get home, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To preserve it longer, you can also freeze it.

How to Prepare Lemongrass for Cooking

Preparing lemongrass for cooking is simple. Start by removing the tough outer leaves and then cut the stalk into thin slices. To get the most flavor, you can also crush the slices with a mortar and pestle. If you don’t have one, you can also use a food processor or blender.

Tips for Cooking with Lemongrass

When cooking with lemongrass, it’s important to remember that the herb has a delicate flavor, so it should be added near the end of the cooking process. If it’s cooked for too long, the flavor can be lost. Additionally, it’s best to remove the lemongrass before serving as it can be tough to chew.

Delicious Recipes with Lemongrass

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate lemongrass into your cooking, here are some delicious recipes to try:

Lemongrass Coconut Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and lemongrass and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add coconut milk, curry powder, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Add chickpeas and peas and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cilantro and serve over cooked rice.

Lemongrass Noodle Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, sliced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 package ramen noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and lemongrass and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Add noodles, carrots, peas, and bean sprouts and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cilantro and serve with a lime wedge.

Conclusion

Cooking with lemongrass is a great way to add flavor to your dishes. Its delicate flavor adds a subtle yet delicious kick to any meal. Plus, it’s full of healthy vitamins and minerals. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to spice up your cooking this year, give lemongrass a try. As the old saying goes: if life gives you lemongrass, make dinner!