Steaming Samphire: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Way

Samphire is a unique coastal plant with a salty flavour and a crisp texture. It is a succulent halophyte, meaning it grows in saltwater or salty soil. There are two types of samphire: marsh samphire and rock samphire. The former is more common and has a milder flavour, while the latter has a stronger, slightly bitter taste. When cooking samphire, it is important to first wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems. It can then be cooked in a variety of ways, including blanching, steaming, frying, or even eating it raw. When steaming samphire, it is important to ensure that the water in the steamer is boiling and that the samphire is cooked for around 2-5 minutes, or until tender.

Samphire preparation: wash, trim and break up large pieces

Samphire is a unique coastal plant with a salty flavour and a crisp texture. It is a succulent halophyte, meaning it grows in saltwater or salty soil. When preparing samphire, it is important to first give it a good wash to remove any sand, grit, or debris. You can do this by rinsing it thoroughly under cold running water. Next, trim off any tough, woody stems at the base of the samphire. You can also remove any overly thick or fibrous stems. If you have large clumps, be sure to break them up into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.

When breaking up the samphire, use your hands to gently pull apart the stems. You can also use a knife to cut the stems, but be careful not to crush or damage the delicate plant. The goal is to create evenly sized pieces that will cook at the same rate. After washing and trimming the samphire, it is now ready to be cooked using your preferred method, such as steaming, blanching, or frying.

• If you prefer a milder flavour and softer texture, you can blanch the samphire in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute before cooking it using your desired method.
• When breaking up large pieces, try to create uniform sizes so that the samphire cooks evenly.
• It is important to dry the samphire thoroughly after washing, especially if you plan to fry it, as excess water can affect the cooking process.
• If you are using foraged samphire, you may need to trim the ends, as store-bought samphire usually only includes the tender tips of the stems.

Boiling samphire: add to boiling water for 2-5 minutes

Boiling is one of the most common ways to cook samphire. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the samphire

Before cooking, give the samphire a good wash to remove any sand or dirt. Remove any roots and tough stems, as these are not edible. Break up any large clumps to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Boil the samphire

Bring a pan of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the samphire. Leave the samphire to cook in the boiling water for 2-5 minutes. If you prefer your samphire on the softer side, leave it to boil for a little longer.

Step 3: Drain and serve

After boiling the samphire for the desired amount of time, drain the water. You can then serve the samphire as a side dish or add it to a salad. It goes particularly well with seafood, lamb, or citrusy salads.

Tips:

• Do not add salt to the water as samphire is naturally salty.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, toss the samphire in melted butter or olive oil after boiling.
• Samphire is best served fresh, so try to buy it as you need it. If you do need to store it, keep it in the fridge for no longer than a few days.

Steaming samphire: place in a steamer basket for 2-5 minutes

Steaming is a great way to cook samphire, a succulent halophyte (a plant that grows in saltwater or salty soil). This method is simple and quick, taking only a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming samphire:

Firstly, gather your ingredients and kitchenware. You will need a steamer basket, a pot of boiling water, and of course, the samphire itself. Before cooking, always give the samphire a good wash to remove any sand, grit, or dirt that may be attached. Remove any roots and tough stems as these are not edible. You can also break up any large pieces to ensure even cooking.

Next, fill the bottom of your steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Place the samphire into the steamer basket, ensuring that the water does not touch the vegetable. Cover the steamer with a lid to trap the steam.

Allow the samphire to steam for 2-5 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the samphire stems. For thinner stems, 2-3 minutes should be sufficient, while thicker stems may require up to 5 minutes. You are aiming for the samphire to be tender but still crisp.

Once the samphire is cooked to your desired texture, remove it from the steamer and season to taste. Samphire naturally has a salty flavour, so you may not need to add extra salt. It pairs well with pepper, butter, or olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Steamed samphire makes a delicious and healthy side dish, especially when paired with seafood or lamb. It is a quick and easy cooking method that preserves the vegetable's unique texture and flavour.

Frying samphire: fry in butter or oil for a few minutes

Frying samphire in butter or oil is a great way to cook this salty vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

First, give the samphire a good wash to remove any sand or dirt. Remove any roots and tough stems, as these are not edible. If you have large clumps, break them up to ensure even cooking.

Frying

Put a large frying pan on medium heat and add butter or oil. When the butter starts to foam, add the samphire and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until it just wilts. Season with pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips

If you want to reduce the saltiness of the samphire, blanch it in boiling water for a minute or simmer it for 2-3 minutes before frying. You can also steam samphire for a couple of minutes instead of boiling or blanching.

Serving Suggestions

Samphire is a great side dish, especially with seafood. It also goes well with lamb and in citrusy salads. You can also use it as a garnish for drinks like a gin and tonic.

Serving suggestions: season with pepper, or add butter, lemon or vinegar

Samphire is a unique coastal plant with a crisp texture and a salty flavour. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and is a healthy and flavourful addition to your meals.

When it comes to serving steamed samphire, there are several ways to season and enhance its natural flavour. Here are some suggestions:

Pepper

Pepper is a classic seasoning that can be added to samphire to enhance its flavour. The pepper will provide a sharp contrast to the salty notes of the samphire. If you wish to add pepper, it is recommended to use it ground rather than in large flakes, as the smaller pieces will be more manageable to eat.

Butter

Butter is another popular addition to samphire. Its creamy texture and mild flavour can complement the crispness and saltiness of the samphire. When adding butter, it is best to use it melted or softened to ensure even distribution. You can also try frying the samphire in butter for a couple of minutes for a richer flavour.

Lemon

Lemon can be a great way to add a tangy twist to the samphire. The citrusy notes of the lemon will cut through the saltiness of the samphire, creating a refreshing flavour profile. A squeeze of lemon juice or a light sprinkling of lemon zest can go a long way in brightening up the dish.

Vinegar

Vinegar, such as malt vinegar, is another option to consider when seasoning samphire. It will provide a sharp and pungent contrast to the salty flavour of the samphire. A light drizzle of vinegar can be added just before serving to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

When seasoning samphire, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount of your chosen seasoning and adjust to your taste preferences. Additionally, as samphire is naturally salty, it is usually recommended to avoid adding additional salt during the cooking process.

Frequently asked questions