Lemongrass

Description:

Lemongrass is a fragrant, aromatic herb widely used in Southeast Asian cooking. With its fresh, citrusy flavour, it enhances soups, curries, teas, and marinades. Lemongrass can be finely chopped, bruised, or steeped to release its bold, zesty essence, adding a refreshing and vibrant taste to both savoury and sweet dishes.

Health Benefits For Lemongrass :

Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness. It aids in digestion, alleviating bloating and indigestion, and has natural antibacterial properties that support immune health.

How To Prepare Lemongrass:

Remove the tough outer layers of the stalk. Trim off the top and bottom ends, then cut the stalk into smaller sections. Bruise the stalk with the back of a knife to release its oils and flavour. You can then chop, slice, or leave the sections whole to infuse soups, curries, teas, or sauces. For dishes that require longer cooking, you can leave the stalk whole and remove it before serving.

Recipe :

Here’s a simple recipe for Lemongrass Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, trimmed and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice.
2. Add the chicken to the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for stronger flavour).
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the pan, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.