Cooking with kelp: 5 tasty ideas
What's the story
If you haven't heard of kelp, a variety of seaweed that is becoming increasingly popular in African cuisine, it's time to pay attention. Kelp is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to your meals. Not to mention, it has an interesting flavor that can enhance anything from a soup to a salad. Here are five ways you can try African flavors by cooking with kelp.
Soup addition
Add kelp to traditional soups
Adding kelp to traditional African soups makes them more delicious and nutritious. Kelp's umami flavor goes well with the rich spices that are used in these dishes. Just chop the kelp into small pieces and add it while cooking. This enriches the broth and also adds essential nutrients like iodine and calcium.
Salad creation
Create refreshing kelp salads
Kelp can either be used as a base for salads or added to them, for a refreshing twist. Its crunchiness complements fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Tossing kelp with lemon juice or vinegar enhances its natural flavors, while giving a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Seasoning use
Use kelp as a flavorful seasoning
Dried kelp can even be ground into a fine powder to use as an unusual seasoning in some dishes. This novel method adds a rich depth to stews, ups the flavor of rice dishes, and provides an earthy nuance to roasted vegetables. The natural saltiness of kelp can minimize the use of additional salt, thus giving a distinct, earthy flavor that matches any meal.
Grain dish inclusion
Incorporate kelp in grain dishes
Adding chopped or powdered kelp to grain dishes like couscous or millet brings new flavors and textures. Its subtle brininess goes well with the grains' nutty undertones, boosting taste and nutritional value. This method enriches dishes with essential minerals, providing a simple way to enjoy kelp's unique qualities in everyday meals.
Sauce experimentation
Experiment with kelp-based sauces
Kelp can make an excellent base for sauces served with different African meals. By blending it along with some garlic, ginger, onions, and a few other herbs, one can prepare flavorful sauces. These sauces amp up the flavor of any dish they are added to without overpowering the dish's main ingredients. This way, you can enjoy a perfect blend of flavors, making every meal tastier and nutritious.