Galganthus (Thai ginger): ways of use

Galganthus, also known as galangal or Thai ginger, is a root vegetable belonging to the ginger family. It is widely used in Southeast Asian cookery, especially in Thai and Indonesian cuisine. Galganthus has a sharp, spicy flavour and a distinctive aroma that is different from regular ginger.

The main characteristics of galganthus are:

1. Appearance

Galganthus root has a light brown rind and white, tough flesh.
It is often sold in fresh, dried, or powdered form.

2. Taste and Flavour

The flavour of galganthus is sharper and spicier, with notes of citrus and pine needles, than regular ginger.

Uses of galganthus in cooking

1. Thai soups and curries

Galganthus is often used in dishes such as tom yam (spicy soup) and tom kha gai (coconut soup with chicken), where it adds a unique aroma and flavour.

Tom Yam Kung (spicy prawn soup) recipe

Ingredients: prawns, galganthus, lemongrass, lime, chilli, coconut milk, fish sauce, fresh coriander.
Preparation: Boil water, add sliced galganthus, lemongrass and chilli. Allow to simmer for a few minutes, then add the prawns, lime juice and coconut milk. Season with fish sauce and garnish with cilantro before serving.

2. Curry marinades and pastes

Galganthus is an important ingredient in curry pastes, especially in red and green Thai pastes.

Red Curry Paste recipe

Ingredients: fresh galganthus, chilli, garlic, lemongrass, prawn paste, coriander, cumin, shallots, lime juice.
Preparation: chop all the ingredients and blend into a smooth paste. Use in curry preparation or as a marinade for meat.

3. Fish and meat dishes

Galganthus is added to fish and meat dishes for a spicy flavour.

Recipe for Saté (meat kebabs)

Ingredients: meat (chicken, beef or pork), galganthus, garlic, turmeric, soya sauce, coconut milk.
Preparation: Marinate the meat in a mixture of galganthus, garlic, turmeric, soya sauce and coconut milk. Thread onto skewers and grill until cooked through.

In medicine and cosmetics

1. traditional medicine

Galganthus is used in traditional medicine to treat stomach disorders, rheumatism and colds.
It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Cosmetic remedies

Galganthus extracts are added to cosmetics to improve skin health due to its antioxidant and antiseptic properties.

Conclusion

Galganthus is a versatile ingredient that is widely used in Asian cooking to give dishes a distinctive aroma and flavour. It is also valued for its medicinal properties, being used in traditional medicine and cosmetics. Including galganthus in your diet can diversify your dishes and improve their flavour.