Samphire, also known as sea asparagus or sea pickle, is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that grows in saltwater marshes and along coastlines. This succulent plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any healthy meal. If you’re wondering how to cook samphire, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide on how to prepare and cook samphire in a variety of ways.
What is Samphire?
Before we dive into the cooking methods, let’s first understand what samphire is and where it comes from. As mentioned earlier, samphire is a green vegetable that grows in salt marshes and rocky coastlines. It has a unique taste that is salty, slightly bitter, and mildly sweet. There are two types of samphire that are commonly found: marsh samphire and rock samphire.
Marsh samphire, also known as common or glasswort samphire, grows in muddy, marshy areas and has a slightly thinner and more tender stalk. On the other hand, rock samphire grows on rocky cliffs and has a thicker, more woody stalk but also a more concentrated flavor. Both types are edible and delicious!
How to Choose and Store Samphire?
When buying samphire, make sure to look for stalks that are crisp and firm, and avoid any that are wilted or slimy. Also, make sure to rinse the samphire thoroughly under cool running water before cooking. If you’re not planning to cook your samphire right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in a plastic bag or airtight container. Do not wash the samphire before storing as it can cause it to become slimy.
How to Cook Samphire?
Now onto the fun part – cooking samphire! There are many different ways to prepare and cook samphire, so let’s explore some of our favorite methods.
Method 1: Boiling or Steaming
Boiling or steaming your samphire is the most common way to prepare it. Simply add your samphire to a pot of boiling water or steam it for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and tender. Once cooked, drain the water and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
Method 2: Grilling or Broiling
Grilling or broiling samphire is a great way to add a smoky flavor to this salty vegetable. Cut your samphire into smaller pieces and coat them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat and grill or broil for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until the samphire becomes slightly charred and crispy.
Method 3: Sautéing or Stir-frying
Another popular way to cook samphire is by sautéing or stir-frying. This method allows you to add more flavor and texture to your samphire dish. Heat up some oil in a pan or wok and add your chopped samphire and other desired ingredients like garlic, onions, or peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the samphire becomes slightly wilted and crispy.
How to Serve Samphire?
Now that you know how to cook samphire, it’s time to serve it up! Samphire is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve samphire:
– As a side dish: Serve boiled or steamed samphire as a simple side dish with a sprinkle of lemon juice.
– In salads: Add grilled or sautéed samphire to your favorite salad for some extra crunch and flavor.
– In pasta dishes: Toss cooked samphire in your favorite pasta dish for a salty and nutritious twist.
– As a garnish: Use grilled samphire as a garnish for your seafood dishes for some added flavor and texture.
FAQs
Q: Is samphire healthy?
A: Yes! Samphire is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and iron.
Q: Can I eat samphire raw?
A: While some people do eat samphire raw, it is not recommended as it can have a very strong and pungent flavor. It is best to boil, steam, grill, or sauté your samphire before eating.
Q: Where can I buy samphire?
A: You can find samphire at your local farmer’s market or health food store. You can also order it online from specialty food retailers.