Preparing Thai Flavourings

These ingredients offer the intense aromatic flavours that characterize Thai cuisine. Lemon grass, coriander and galingal can be found fresh in most supermarkets. Tamarind can be bought as pods, blocks or concentrate. The latter is most convenient. If bought as pods, the flesh is removed and soaked, to make sour tamarind water.

Bruise stalks to release flavour and use in curries, or chop finely for stir-fries.

Trim stems and roots; chop finely. Use in curries for pungent flavour.