Food glossary

A member of the ginger family

Galangal

Native of Indonesia, galangal is a member of the ginger family. The appearance is similar to root ginger with a red brown skin and has a similar flavour.

Uses: Chopped or grated fresh galangal is often used in many Thai, Malay and Indonesian dishes and curries. It is a popular addition to stir-fries and noodle dishes.

To store: Keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks, wrapped in clingfilm or in a paper bag. Unpeeled galangal can also be wrapped in foil and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To prepare: Peel or scrape off the skin from fresh galangal. Then either grate or finely chop the flesh.