Lemongrass, also known as lemongrass, is a plant with a thousand uses, even in the kitchen: here's how to use it from minestrone to fruit salad
That of citronella it is one of the scents most reminiscent of summer: its citrus smell acts as a repellent against the notorious mosquitoes! But did you know that it can also be used in the kitchen? Also note how lemongrass is one of the most used ingredients in the Thai or Indian cuisine but today it is becoming increasingly popular also in the western one.
Here are some ideas to revisit the typical recipes of our kitchen with this plant and some useful information about the way of preservation and its benefits.
The benefits of citronella
Lemongrass has many beneficial properties: however, before taking it, we advise you to consult your doctor, to exclude interference with ongoing drug therapies. Lemongrass has an antipyretic function, so it lowers a fever. Helps stimulate digestion and combat insomnia and stress. It has diuretic and purifying properties, excellent therefore to be consumed as an infusion, to detoxify liver and kidneys. Finally, lemongrass is precious for skin care, it improves the appearance, reducing acne and pimples.
Where to find citronella and how to keep it
In Italy it is now possible to find fresh lemongrass also in the fruit and vegetable counters of the supermarket. To preserve it, there are different ways: it can be dried, or you can seal the green stems in a tightly closed plastic bag for up to 3 weeks, or freeze them for about 6 months.
Legume soup and cereals with lemongrass
There soup of legumes and cereals is a must, both in winter and in summer (to be consumed perhaps cooled). To flavor it, you can add citronella. Here's how to prepare it: soak the legumes for at least 12 hours, then pour them into the boiling broth and boil them for at least 35 minutes. Add the pearl barley and continue cooking for another 25 minutes. Finally, add lemongrass and corn to the soup, cooking for another 5 minutes. Finally, serve, taking care to remove the lemongrass stalks.
Lemongrass calamarata
There Calamarata, in spite of the name, it is not a dish based on squid, but it is a first course based on this typical pasta, which recalls squid rings. To prepare this, do this: peel the lemongrass, cutting it into slices. Melt the butter, adding the lemongrass and leaving it to infuse for about an hour. Meanwhile, boil the pasta and sauté the fennel in a scented oil with basil and garlic. Drain the pasta, season with the fennel and the lemon filtered butter.
Lemon grass salad
In summer, the fruit salad it is not only a simple dessert, but also the main meal on the most sultry days. Here is a really tasty version with citronella: boil 200 g of water with sliced citronella, filtered and sweetened with fructose. Meanwhile, cut into cubes of melon and two of the grapes. Then add blueberries and raspberries and sweeten, pouring the citronella infusion. Serve fresh from the fridge.