A Zesty Lemongrass Paste Recipe. Growing and Cooking with Lemongrass

A Flavorful Journey from Garden to Plate
November 12, 2023
Rating: 0.00
(0)

As the chilly winds of mid-November sweep through, my garden becomes a treasure trove of fresh lemongrass. What started as a humble 3-4 inch seedling from a local store has transformed into vibrant lemongrass bushes, lining the edges of my lawn and garden for the past six years. The beauty of this herb lies not just in its robust growth but in its versatility in the kitchen. Join me on a journey as I share the wonders of lemongrass, from cultivation tips to a delightful lemongrass paste recipe.

As a devoted gardener and home cook, the cycle of growth and utility that lemongrass provides never ceases to amaze me. The satisfaction of cultivating a small seedling into a prolific herb that not only enhances my culinary creations but also contributes to my garden’s health is truly rewarding.

Delving Deeper into Lemongrass: Benefits and Uses

Before we dive into the kitchen, let’s explore what makes lemongrass more than just a delightful herb. Lemongrass is renowned for its distinct citrus flavor, but it’s also packed with health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Incorporating lemongrass into your diet may aid digestion, promote skin health, and even help reduce stress. Beyond its culinary use, lemongrass is a popular ingredient in teas, essential oils, and herbal remedies.

Lemongrass Paste: A Culinary Marvel

The star of our show is the lemongrass paste, a culinary marvel that effortlessly elevates a variety of dishes. Whether you’re dressing up a salad, enhancing a bowl of ramen, or experimenting with other recipes, this paste adds a burst of freshness and complexity. The homemade ginger vinegar, a delightful addition, complements the lemongrass, creating a unique and flavorful profile.

Waste Not, Want Not: Sustainable Practices

In the spirit of sustainability, I make the most of every part of the lemongrass plant. The green tops find their way into my herbal tea mix, infusing it with a refreshing citrusy note. The discarded parts that are unsuitable for consumption serve a dual purpose – they enrich my chicken coop with a pleasant aroma and eventually contribute to nutrient-rich compost for my garden beds.

Growing Your Lemongrass Empire

The journey doesn’t end with a single harvest. Lemongrass, with its resilience, invites you to propagate and share the joy of cultivation. Placing trimmed stalks in potting soil allows for the easy growth of new plants, making it a wonderful gift for fellow garden enthusiasts.

Tips and Tricks Recap:

  • Herbal Tea Boost: Air dry lemongrass tops for a delightful addition to your herbal tea mix.
  • Chicken Coop Aromatherapy: Utilize unwanted lemongrass parts to keep your chicken coop smelling fresh.
  • Propagation Prowess: Experiment with propagating lemongrass by placing stalks in potting soil.
  • Recipe Exploration: Don’t miss out on my other lemongrass recipe on YouTube ( Lemongrass coconut chicken pasta ) .

Zesty Lemongrass Paste with Homemade Ginger Vinegar

In just a few simple steps, transform your garden's lemongrass into a versatile paste that elevates the flavors of your favorite dishes. Check out the video below for a visual guide on cleaning and cutting lemongrass. Additionally, learn how to repurpose the trimmed parts for herbal tea, chicken coop aromatics, and even propagate more lemongrass plants.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 15-20 Fresh lemongrass stalks
  • 1/2 cup Homemade ginger vinegar check my recipe at the end
  • Sea Salt

Instructions
 

  • Cut the end of each lemongrass stalk and remove the tough outer layers.
  • Slice the cleaned stalks with garden scissors (they work better than knives).
  • Place the chopped lemongrass into a food processor.
  • Add homemade ginger vinegar and salt to the processor.
  • Run the processor for about a minute until you achieve a juicy, mushy paste.
  • Use the lemongrass paste in salad dressings, ramen soup, or other recipes.

Video

Notes

  • Air dry the green tops of lemongrass for herbal tea mixes.
  • Utilize unwanted lemongrass parts in your chicken coop for a pleasant aroma.
  • Propagate lemongrass by placing stalks in potting soil.
  • Explore other lemongrass recipes, such as the Coconut Chicken with Lemongrass mentioned at the end.
  • I hope this exploration of lemongrass has inspired you to savor its flavors, reap its benefits, and perhaps even try your hand at cultivating your own lemongrass empire. Your comments and feedback are the sunshine that keeps my garden growing. Until the next adventure, happy gardening and cooking!
  • Your feedback and comments are invaluable, helping my page thrive. Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and gardening adventures. Happy cooking and gardening!
Author: Marzi
Keyword: Lemongrass, Lemongrass paste

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag at @marzisgarden on Instagram and hashtag it #Marzis Garden

Ginger Vinegar Recipe: A Zesty Infusion

Freshly picked Ginger from Marzi’s Garden

My homemade ginger vinegar recipe

To complement the vibrant flavors of lemongrass, I present to you my homemade ginger vinegar recipe. This zesty infusion adds a delightful kick to your dishes, especially when combined with the aromatic lemongrass paste.

Ingredients:

  • Fresh ginger, grated (1 part)
  • White balsamic vinegar (2 parts)
  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1 dried chili or cayenne pepper
  • Fresh or dried lemon thyme, sage, or herbs of choice

Instructions:

  • Grate fresh ginger and place it in a regular mason jar.
  • Add white balsamic vinegar to the jar, maintaining a ratio of 1 part ginger to 2 parts vinegar.
  • Incorporate raw honey into the mixture for a touch of sweetness.
  • Introduce a dried chili or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
  • Enhance the infusion with fresh or dried herbs like lemon thyme or sage.
  • Close the jar tightly and label it with the date.
  • Let the mixture sit for at least 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally to ensure thorough infusion.
  • After the designated time, strain the vinegar to remove ginger and herbs.
  • Bottle the infused vinegar for future use.

Tip: While you can use any vinegar for this infusion, white balsamic vinegar has been found to be particularly exceptional, harmonizing perfectly with the ginger.

Lemongrass Paste with a Zesty Twist:

Add a splash of this homemade ginger vinegar to your lemongrass paste for an extraordinary burst of flavor. The combination of citrusy lemongrass and the zing from the ginger vinegar creates a symphony of tastes that will elevate your culinary creations.

I hope this journey into the world of lemongrass has been as enriching for you as it has been for me. Your feedback and comments are invaluable, helping my page thrive. Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and gardening adventures. Happy cooking and gardening!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like
Close
Copyright © 2023 Marzi's Garden.
Close
Popular Search:

Order my Passion Fruit Recipe Book here

X