The best way to wash gongura leaves is to submerge them in a large bowl of cold water, gently agitate to release any dirt, and then lift the leaves out, leaving the grit behind. Repeat this process several times until the water remains clear.
Gongura leaves, also known as sorrel leaves, tend to trap a lot of dirt and sand due to their texture. Proper washing is crucial to avoid a gritty texture in your Gongura Chicken. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Separate the Leaves: Remove the gongura leaves from the stems. Discard any wilted or damaged leaves.
First Rinse: Place the leaves in a large bowl or sink filled with cold water. Gently swish the leaves around with your hands to loosen any dirt.
Lift and Drain: Carefully lift the leaves out of the water, allowing the dirt and grit to settle at the bottom of the bowl. Avoid pouring the water and leaves together, as this will redistribute the sediment.
Repeat: Discard the dirty water and repeat the process with fresh cold water. You may need to repeat this 3-4 times until the water remains clear after agitating the leaves.
Final Rinse (Optional): For an extra thorough rinse, you can place the cleaned leaves in a colander and rinse them under running water.
Drain and Chop: Allow the leaves to drain completely. You can gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Chop the leaves according to your recipe's instructions.
After washing, soak the leaves in water with a tablespoon of vinegar for about 10 minutes. This helps to further remove any lingering dirt and also acts as a natural disinfectant. Remember to rinse the leaves thoroughly with fresh water after the vinegar soak.