Grilled Ginger

 

Grilled Ginger is an intensely flavourful, aromatic addition to a variety of dishes. It is added not only to enhance flavour attributes but also to obtain the multiple health benefits associated with this rhizome. Ginger is known for its therapeutic properties as a digestive soother and appetite stimulant. There are a number of dishes that just do not taste the same until seasoned with grilled ginger.
 
Some dishes that employ the use of grilled ginger as a seasoning include-
 
Grilled Ginger and Broccoli: In this unique preparation, fresh steamed broccoli is given a special treatment by grilling with ginger juliennes. Rice vinegar as well as fish sauce form the other flavour components to this interesting South East Asian dish.  This forms a good accompaniment to fried rice or noodles.
 
Nutritive value (Per serving): 74 calories; 4 g fat with 2 g monounsaturated fats; 8 g carbohydrates with ~ 3 g  dietary fiber and 0 g added sugars; 4 g protein; 328 mg sodium and 372 mg potassium. Vitamin value is Vitamin C (170% daily value), Folate (19% dv) and Vitamin A (60% dv).  
 
Grilled Ginger Stir Fried Rice: For those who enjoy the pungent and spicy taste of ginger - a simple stir fried rice (with or without other vegetables) using primarily grilled ginger along with scallions, finely chopped onions, and fresh crushed pepper make for an interesting main course dish.
 
Nutritive value (per serving): A serving size of ~302 g supplies 367.7 calories with 87 calories from fat. Total fat content of 9.7 g, saturated fat 1.6 g; sodium 345.6 mg, total carbohydrate 63.1 g, dietary fibre of 1.8 g, and sugar 1.9 g; protein 6.2 g   
 
Grilled Ginger Fish: Some minced garlic, scallions, lime juice and zest, honey, olive oil, pepper and salt are mixed together to form a marinade for salmon which is then refrigerated for some time. In a pan or grill little sesame oil is used to grill ginger juliennes. Then the salmon pieces along with marinade are placed on the grill and roasted on both sides till done. 
 
Nutritive value (per serving): 214 calories with 36 calories from fat; 4 g fat and 52 mg cholesterol; 8 g carbohydrates with ~ 1 g  dietary fiber and 0 g added sugars; 36 g protein; 123 mg sodium and 272 mg potassium. Estimated percent of calories – from fat is 17.6 %, 11.8 % from carbohydrates and 70.6 % from proteins.
 
Tofu with grilled ginger and peanut sauce: This dish consists of a sauce made by blending rice vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, grilled ginger, honey and little water. After pan-frying the tofu cubes in  minimum peanut oil till all sides are done, chopped scallions, spinach, mushrooms are added and sautéed. This is followed by addition of grilled ginger-peanut sauce and cooking till aromas are released. 
 
Nutritive Value (per serving): 221 calories; 14 g fat ( 2 g saturated and 3 g monounsaturated fat ); 0 mg cholesterol; 15 g of total carbohydrates with 3 g added sugars and 4 g of dietary fiber; 12 g protein; 231 mg sodium and 262 mg potassium. Minerals - Calcium (16% daily value) and Iron (16% dv).
 
Nutrition Information
 
Ginger is effective as a carminative, soothes and relaxes intestinal tract and promotes digestive health. Ginger provides relief from nausea, vomiting, dizziness, motion sickness. Anti-inflammatory compounds known as gingerols, help alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis – both oste as well as rheumatoid types. The active components inhibit cancer-cell growth. Ginger also has immune boosting properties.