Exploring galangal's health benefits and culinary uses
What's the story
Galangal, long overlooked in favor of its more familiar cousin ginger, is finally getting its due in the culinary world.
This root, with its potent flavor and impressive health benefits, has been a secret weapon of Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries.
Now, it's being embraced by chefs and adventurous home cooks seeking to infuse their dishes with depth and a touch of the unexpected.
Health perks
Unearthing the benefits of galangal
Galangal is not only prized for its unique flavor, but also for its numerous health benefits.
Research indicates it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Plus, the presence of antioxidants in galangal combats harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Culinary uses
Cooking with galangal: Tips and tricks
Adding galangal to your culinary creations is a great way to discover new tastes.
It's a staple in soups, curries, and stir-fries.
If you're not used to it, go easy at first. It's got a strong flavor that might surprise you.
One trick is to mellow it out with some coconut milk or citrus juices.
Shopping guide
Where to find galangal
Depending on your location, tracking down fresh galangal might be a bit of a treasure hunt.
While many Asian markets and specialty stores carry it (both fresh and dried),
If you can't find it fresh, don't despair! Dried or powdered galangal make great substitutes, although they'll impart a slightly different flavor.
This way, you can still experience galangal's exotic taste in all its glory, even if fresh is elusive.
Storage tips
Preserving the freshness
To keep fresh galangal longer, wrap it in a paper towel and put it in a plastic bag before storing it in the fridge's vegetable drawer.
This way, it can stay fresh for up to three weeks.
If you need to store it for longer, freezing galangal works great; you can freeze the whole root or sliced pieces for up to six months without losing much flavor.