Monday, June 9, 2008

BASE BEBUNGKILAN : THE RHIZOMES and ROOTS

GALANGAL : ISEN / LAOS
A member of the ginger family and native to Java, this aromatic rose coloured roots has a sweet, woody & fragrance and is used mainly to disguise fishy odors.
Substitute : Frozen, dried or powdered galangal

GINGER : JAHE
Possibly originating in china, ginger is one of the world’s most wonderful spices. Its clean spicy lemon flavour adds a refreshing pungency to just about all Asian cuisines. Praised for its medicinal properties, ginger aids digestion and alleviates stomach disorders and sore throats. Its warming soothing calmative qualities help ease nausea caused by morning sickness and motion sickness. Available almost everywhere. Buy in small quantities and store in a cool place.
Substitute : Ginger powder.

AROMATIC GINGER / LESSER GALANGAL : KENCUR
A highly fragrant plant root or rhizome which is smaller then galangal. It’s responsible for the distinctive taste of Balinese food and when combined with garlic, turmeric, and candlenut, makes a delicious seasoning known as suna cekoh. Also used in herbal remedies and poultices. Known as pro hom in Thai cooking.
Substitute : Frozen, dried or powdered kencur.

TURMERIC : KUNYIT
A bright yellow root spice obtained from rhizome of plant from the lily family. Native to South East Asia, it’s a mild warm, attractive spice that gives a characteristic colour to curries. The flavour is earthy with a clean aroma like ginger. It is used in medicine for skin disorders and cosmetic, and has a preserving quality. It is also used in herbal remedies. Buy small quantities only.
Substitute : Frozen or dried turmeric.

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