Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an herb with a lemony scent. The culinary herb is produced from the stalk of the lemongrass plant and imparts a flavor of lemon with hints of ginger. Lemongrass lends its citrus-like aroma and zing to many Thai dishes. It is also used in herbal teas and has become a popular element in cocktails.
To use lemongrass in your cooking, always cut off the lower bulb and remove the tough outer leaves. From here, you have two options. You can cut the yellow stalk into 2- to 3-inch lengths and then “bruise” these sections by bending them several times. In addition, create superficial cuts along these sections with your knife, which will help release the lemon flavor. Add these bruised stalks to your soup or curry. When serving, remove the lemongrass pieces. If the lemongrass is intended to remain in the food when eaten, you can slice the yellow section of the lemongrass stalk into thin slices with a sharp knife. Then place these into a food processor and process well.
Lemongrass is extremely fibrous and a little stringy (more like threads, actually). For this reason, be sure to cook your Thai dish thoroughly. If you are making a soup, for example, boil the lemongrass for a least 5 to 10 minutes in the broth in order to soften it adequately.
To use lemongrass in your cooking, always cut off the lower bulb and remove the tough outer leaves. From here, you have two options. You can cut the yellow stalk into 2- to 3-inch lengths and then “bruise” these sections by bending them several times. In addition, create superficial cuts along these sections with your knife, which will help release the lemon flavor. Add these bruised stalks to your soup or curry. When serving, remove the lemongrass pieces. If the lemongrass is intended to remain in the food when eaten, you can slice the yellow section of the lemongrass stalk into thin slices with a sharp knife. Then place these into a food processor and process well.
Lemongrass is extremely fibrous and a little stringy (more like threads, actually). For this reason, be sure to cook your Thai dish thoroughly. If you are making a soup, for example, boil the lemongrass for a least 5 to 10 minutes in the broth in order to soften it adequately.