Creative piquancy: Cooking with horseradish
What's the story
Horseradish is a root vegetable with a strong, pungent flavor and smell that can bring a spicy, sinus-clearing element to your meals. While often thought of in its traditional roles, like being a condiment, there are many other exciting ways to use horseradish in your cooking. This article will uncover five unexpected ways to use horseradish that will add a new dimension of flavor to your meals.
Spreads
Elevate your sandwich spreads
Take your regular sandwich spreads from blah to brilliant with the addition of a tablespoon of grated horseradish. This secret ingredient shines in mayonnaise or cream cheese-based spreads, adding a spicy depth that pairs perfectly with vegetable sandwiches. The heat of horseradish cuts through the creaminess of the spread, creating a balanced flavor profile that's anything but boring.
Dressings
Boost salad dressings
Add a dash of horseradish to your salad dressings for a zesty surprise. A teaspoon of prepared horseradish brings a flavorful kick to vinaigrettes or creamy dressings. It complements ingredients like mustard and honey, resulting in tangy-sweet dressings that will make your taste buds dance. These are ideal for adding some excitement to green salads or coleslaws.
Mashed potatoes
Create zesty mashed potatoes
To add a flavorful twist to your mashed potatoes, simply stir in two tablespoons of prepared horseradish for every four servings. This unexpected heat pairs beautifully with the potatoes' creaminess, resulting in a side dish that is simultaneously comforting and exciting. For the best flavor, make sure to fold the horseradish into the potatoes while they're still warm, allowing the zesty notes to permeate every bite.
Soups
Revitalize soups and stews
A spoonful of prepared horseradish stirred into soups or stews just before serving is a game-changer. Trust me! Its potent flavor enhances broths without overwhelming them, adding complexity and warmth that's especially welcome in colder months. Whether it's a vegetable soup or a legume-based stew, horseradish brings an invigorating freshness that elevates the entire dish.