Horseradish is a spice that is widely used as a condiment. Horseradish is made by grating the root of the horseradish plant, then mixing it with vinegar, salt and sometimes other ingredients like lemon juice and sugar. The resulting paste has a pungent, sharp flavor and is commonly used as a condiment or in sauces.
Horseradish is native to Eastern Europe and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world.
Let’s delve deeper into horseradish as it can easily be a spicy addition to plenty of foods.
How to use horseradish in food dishes
Horseradish can be used in a variety of dishes to add heat and flavor, such as in bloody marys, salad dressings, sauces for meats, or as a condiment for sandwiches or roast beef. It can also be served as a side condiment with meat or fish dishes.
Because it’s largely used as a condiment, you can add it to a dish or drink in the desired amount depending on how much spice you want. Suggested ways to use horseradish include the following:
- Roast beef sandwiches
- Beef tenderloin
- Grilled steak
- Bloody Mary cocktails
- Potato salad
- Cole slaw
- Baked salmon
- Deviled eggs
- Caesar salad dressing
- Russian dressing
- Cocktail sauce
- Remoulade sauce
- Roasted vegetables
- Sandwiches
- Hamburgers
Buy it or make it: Horseradish recipe
You can buy a jar of horseradish and simply add it as a condiment to foods to spice up your favorite dish.
Or you can make it yourself. Making horseradish at home is a simple process:
Ingredients:
- 1 horseradish root (peeled and grated)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel and grate the horseradish root using a grater or food processor.
- In a small bowl, mix the grated horseradish with vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using).
- Transfer the mixture to a jar or airtight container and let it sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Note: When grating horseradish, it is recommended to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly afterwards as the smell can be quite strong and linger on your hands.
Final thoughts
Horseradish is a spicy condiment largely used to add some instant heat to foods and even a few drinks. You can add it to foods as you like to give it a kick or if you purchase a bottle of it, just squeeze or spoon out what you need.
Horseradish can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, such as a jar with a tight-fitting lid, for up to 6 months. Keeping it refrigerated will help prevent it from losing its flavor and pungency. To keep the flavor fresh, it is best to store the horseradish with a small amount of vinegar, as vinegar helps to preserve the flavor and prevent spoilage.
Before using the horseradish, give it a good stir to distribute any separation that may have occurred.