[CH] Use of Lemongrass
Linda Panter (lipant@sympatico.ca)
Fri, 8 Jul 2005 14:26:05 -0400
Though common throughout southeast Asia, lemongrass is featured
most prominently in the cuisine of Thailand, where it may be
found growing in practically every house. It contains citral, the
same substance found in the zest of a lemon, and 1 tbs of chopped
fresh lemongrass has about the same "sour power" as an equal
amount of minced lemon peel.
Fresh lemongrass is increasingly available at Asian markets
throughout the United States. It is easy to grow your own, either
in the garden or as a houseplant. Stand a stalk in water until it
starts sending out roots, pot it and place the plant in a sunny
spot.
The entire stalk is useful. Aside from the instructions of
specific recipes, cut a 6" section off the root end, remove the
outer few layers from this lower part, chop the inner fiber and
saute to make a crisp topping for chicken or to put into salads
and sauces. The tougher outer layers can be chopped and added to
marinades for chicken or pork, or mashed and brewed for tea.
The top of the stalk can be bundled and added to stock or used as
a flavoring for hot and sour soup.
Condensed from Bon Appetit, June,1992.
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Linda
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Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me - I want
people to know WHY I look this way: I've traveled a long way and
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