Healthy Dishes Made with Kaffir

Kaffir, also known as lemongrass, has been a staple in many African and Asian cuisines for centuries. The citrusy flavor of kaffir adds a unique twist to various dishes, from soups and stews to salads and stir-fries. As a healthy alternative to more common herbs like basil or oregano, kaffir is worth exploring.

South African-Style Kaffir Chicken Stew

This hearty stew is a staple in many South African households, made with chicken breast or thighs, vegetables, and a special blend of spices that includes fresh kaffir leaves. To make this dish, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until softened, then add diced chicken and cook until browned. Next, add sliced carrots, potatoes, and a handful of chopped kaffir leaves to the pot, along with a can of diced tomatoes and your choice of spices. Let everything simmer together for at least 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Kaffir and Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy soup is perfect for colder months, made by blending cooked sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and kaffir leaves with chicken broth and coconut milk. To make this dish, start by sautéing diced onions, garlic, and ginger until softened, then add sliced sweet potatoes to the pot along with a can of diced tomatoes and your choice of spices. Let everything simmer together for at least 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender, then blend with chicken broth and coconut milk until smooth.

Thai-Style Stir-Fry with Kaffir

This quick and easy stir-fry is made by sautéing sliced vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots with minced kaffir leaves and a variety of spices. To make this dish, start by heating some oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add diced chicken or tofu and cook until browned. Next, add sliced vegetables to the pan along with chopped kaffir leaves and your choice of spices, cooking everything together for at least 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Grilled Salmon with Kaffir

This healthy and flavorful dish is made by marinating salmon fillets in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and minced kaffir leaves before grilling to perfection. To make this dish, start by mixing together olive oil, lemon juice, chopped kaffir leaves, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then brush the marinade all over your salmon fillets. Let everything marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours, then grill to desired doneness.

These dishes showcase just a few of the many ways you can use fresh kaffir leaves in cooking. From hearty stews and soups to quick stir-fries and grilled meats, kaffir adds a unique flavor that is sure to elevate your meals.