Ginger has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It helps support the immune and cardiovascular systems and improves digestion.
The publication Heroine offers several ginger recipes that will help you fall in love with this ingredient and diversify your menu.
1. Chicken fillet with dried apricots and ginger
For this dish, it is best to use chicken fillet, but drumsticks or thighs will also work. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or glass noodles.
Ingredients:
800 grams of chicken fillet;
5-6 pieces of dried apricots;
75 grams of fresh ginger;
2 red onions;
3 cloves of garlic;
ground black pepper;
vegetable oil.
Preparation:
Cut the fillet into small pieces, season with garlic and pepper, and add salt. If desired, you can use two teaspoons of soy sauce instead of salt. Mix the spices well with the chicken and let it marinate for half an hour.
Soak the dried apricots in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften them. Meanwhile, slice the onion into half rings and sauté it in vegetable oil along with finely chopped ginger.
Slice the dried apricots thinly and add them to the pan with the onion and ginger. Simmer covered for about 4-5 minutes. Then add the chicken. If necessary, add a little water and simmer until cooked through.
Serve the dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
2. Ginger dressing
This ginger dressing is perfect for vegetable salads and rice. It has a tangy-spicy flavor and can be used as a marinade for meat.
Ingredients:
1.5 tbsp of grated fresh ginger;
2 tbsp of white wine vinegar;
1 tbsp of Dijon mustard;
1 tbsp of honey;
1/2 cup of neutral vegetable oil;
1/4 tsp of dried garlic;
1/2 tsp of salt.
Preparation:
Blend the grated ginger and the other ingredients in a blender until smooth. Allow the dressing to cool to room temperature and add it to the salad. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Carrot-ginger soup
This bright and light cream soup will lift your spirits on gray winter days. It can be served with cheese, croutons, or fresh bread.
Ingredients:
1 onion;
1/2 kg of carrots;
1.5 tbsp of minced ginger root;
2 tbsp of olive oil;
1.5 liters of broth;
1/4 tsp of dried garlic;
1 pinch of cinnamon;
1/2 tsp of salt;
1/2 cup of coconut milk or cream;
herbs.
Preparation:
Finely chop the onion and carrots.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until golden. Then add the ginger, carrots, broth, garlic, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook until the carrots are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender to make the soup creamy. Then add the milk or cream and mix thoroughly. Add salt or other seasonings to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
4. Fried pork with ginger and honey
This simple yet aromatic dish is perfect for treating yourself and your loved ones. It can be served with noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients:
2 tsp of flour;
2 tbsp of soy sauce;
1 tbsp of honey;
1 tbsp of sunflower oil;
250 grams of pork tenderloin;
30 grams of fresh ginger;
2 cloves of garlic;
1 hot pepper;
1 tsp of sesame seeds;
salt.
Preparation:
Mix the flour with one tablespoon of water, then add the soy sauce, honey, and set the dressing aside.
Heat the oil in a wok or a high-sided skillet, add the finely chopped pork, and cook for 2 minutes until golden. Then add the sliced ginger, garlic, and pepper, and fry for another couple of minutes.
Reduce the heat, pour the dressing over the meat, and fry, stirring, until the dish thickens. Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the meat with toasted or fresh sesame seeds, and serve.
5. Mushrooms with ginger
In winter, the body lacks vitamin D, which is found in mushrooms. Ginger, in turn, supports the immune system. This combination will help strengthen health and enjoy a spicy taste in an Asian style.
Ingredients:
500 grams of mushrooms;
a bunch of parsley;
2 tsp of minced fresh ginger;
1 tbsp of olive oil;
2 tsp of soy sauce;
sesame seeds.
Preparation:
Wash the mushrooms and dry them with a paper towel. Slice them thinly and place them in a pan with heated olive oil. Add a little salt and fry over medium heat until the water evaporates and the mushrooms are browned.
Finely chop the parsley. In a separate bowl, mix the ginger and soy sauce. Add this mixture and the herbs to the mushrooms, stir, and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds.
6. Lemon-ginger jam
This jam is great for pancakes, can be spread on cookies, or enjoyed with tea. It has a pleasant citrus flavor with spicy notes.
Ingredients:
200 grams of fresh ginger;
3.5 tbsp of sugar;
4 medium lemons.
Preparation:
Peel the ginger and cut it into small pieces or grate it on a coarse grater.
Peel the lemons, remove the seeds, and divide them into wedges.
Place the ginger and lemons in a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan, add sugar. If desired, replace sugar with honey for added benefits.
Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring that the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not overcook: about 8 minutes is enough to achieve the desired consistency.
Cool the jam at room temperature, then transfer it to a glass jar with a tight lid for storage.
