No meal is complete without appetizers. They spice up the main dishes, set off and complement them, and simply add variety to the palette of tastes. In this regard, pickled ginger is one of the win-win options, which is suitable for meat, fish dishes, and soups. This appetizer has become especially popular recently, in the wake of addiction to Asian cuisine. And more and more people today are wondering how to pickle ginger so that it serves as a delicious addition to sushi. This is the question we will answer later in the article.
What to pair with ginger?
Of course, most people associate pink pickled ginger exclusively with Japanese dishes. But stereotypes aside! Experiment and realize that this appetizer is an indispensable find for any meal.
- In general, the original purpose of this dish on the table in Asian cuisine establishments is to refresh the taste perception. That is, it must be eaten between different types of dishes so that their tastes do not mix and do not interfere with the appreciation of the original charm of each dish.
- It is ideal to combine it with meat and fish dishes, especially if they have a fairly simple taste, without additional pronounced components. Then the spicy, spicy and slightly sweet taste of this appetizer will make the dishes sparkle in a new way.
- It is interesting to use it as a snack for rice or noodles. The fresh tastes of these products are wonderfully compensated and diversified by pickled ginger.
- If you are not averse to experimentation, then you can try adding this product to soups. Spicy spicy in familiar dishes - isn't that great?
The benefits and harms of pickled ginger
It would be blasphemy not to touch on the topic of the beneficial properties of ginger, because in terms of the concentration of vitamins it is inferior, perhaps, to ginseng! Truly miraculous properties are attributed to this product: normalization of digestion, prevention of colds and viral diseases, improvement of memory, prolongation of longevity, treatment of the liver, restoration of sexual energy ... And this is just an incomplete list. It is not surprising, because the amount of vitamins and minerals in this product is simply colossal.
This product contains a complete set of B vitamins: thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic and folic acid, pyridoxine, choline, etc. In addition, it is a storehouse of huge reserves of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, manganese ... You can talk about the benefits of ginger endlessly. Indeed, it is an excellent tool for combating many diseases. Let's highlight the main ones.
- This "fruit" is very useful in the treatment and prevention of colds, flu and other viral diseases. It enhances immunity and overall strengthening of the body.
- This product is also known as an assistant in sexual life. Thanks to him, women can relieve cramps during menstruation and even practice infertility treatments, because. it helps to strengthen the uterus. Men, with its help, are struggling with impotence and the normalization of sexual desire.
- In case of indigestion, the use of the "root" is an indispensable way to recovery. It helps to improve the secretion of gastric juice, relieves heaviness after overeating, eliminates belching and indigestion.
However, despite the undeniable benefits of ginger, some people should still refuse it, because in certain cases it can be harmful to health. In particular, this product is contraindicated for people with acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, ulcers, etc. In addition, it is better to refrain from using it for women in late pregnancy and nursing mothers.
Step-by-step homemade pickled ginger recipe
Let's move on to the direct process of making homemade pickled ginger. Doing it yourself is not difficult at all - you just need a drop of patience and a little care in following step-by-step instructions. There are several ways to pickle ginger. We will tell you the recipe for the most classic and uncomplicated option.
Required Ingredients:
- Ginger root (it is very important to choose fresh) - 250-270 g;
- Vinegar 9% - 1 tablespoon;
- Salt - 1 teaspoon;
- Sugar - 1 tablespoon;
- Water - 2 glasses;
- Beets - 1 piece.
Step-by-step diagram of how to cook pickled ginger:
- Peel the root from the skin;
- Cut it into thin slices - the thinner, the tastier. The easiest way to do this is with a vegetable peeler.
- Boil 1 cup of water with a teaspoon of salt. Pour the chopped root into it and hold it for 5-10 minutes. After a while, drain the water;
- Boil a second glass of water, this time adding 1 tablespoon of sugar. Pour this water over the sliced \u200b\u200bafter it has cooled slightly;
- Add a tablespoon of vinegar to the workpiece;
- If you like this appetizer softer, then you can cook it in the marinade for about 20 minutes;
- This step is optional, but if you want pink pickled ginger, which is served for sushi, then you need to grate a small piece of beets and add to the workpiece. Of course, a pink tint can also appear naturally, when the anthocyanins of ginger root and acetic acid come into contact. But to be safe, it is better to use beets;
- Tightly close the container with the pickled “root” with a lid and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
How to store homemade pickled ginger?
When all the cooking is completed, it's time to wonder - now what to do with this snack? How to store it? Keep this product in the refrigerator, in a glass or ceramic dish. If the recipe for pickled ginger is done correctly, following all the instructions, then it can be stored for 3-4 months.
Well, now the secret of making pickled ginger at home is revealed. As you can see, this is not at all difficult, but the benefits and enjoyment that this snack will bring are priceless. Create, experiment, please yourself and your loved ones. Bon appetit!
