Lemongrass

This citrusy plant plays a starring role in many Southeast-Asian cuisines, adding its unique flavour to everything from curries to cold drinks. As the name suggests, it has a citrus aroma and lemony flavour. It can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. Use lemongrass in marinades, stir-fries, salads, spice rubs, and curry pastes.

If you’d like a strong lemongrass flavour, add minced lemongrass at the start of cooking, browning it along with the other aromatics. For a lighter, fresher lemongrass flavour, add it near the end of cooking.