Galingale

Languas galanga; laos (in Malaysia, etc., lengkuas; in Thailand, ka). This is a rhizome, which looks like a pinkish ginger root. It is used in cooking to add a slightly bitter note to a savoury dish. Treat fresh galingale as ginger: peel and chop. Fresh and powdered galingale can be bought in Oriental shops in Western countries. Dried slices are also sold; these should be soaked in cold water before use and discarded before the dish goes to table.