When cooking with fresh lemongrass, cut off the green leaves and use only the base of the stalk. Remove the tough outer layers and then prepare the stalk depending on how you’re using it. If you’re adding it directly to the dish, thinly slice the stalk and blend or pound it to create a soft consistency. Use the whole stalk to flavor soups or other fluids but first pound or bend it to release more of the oils; take the stalk out before serving the dish because the stalk is quite tough. Think of lemongrass as a substitute for ginger or lemon zest. Try making a topping for vegetables or a seasoning for chicken by mixing lemongrass with a little olive oil and garlic and your preferred seasonings such as soy sauce, chili flakes or cilantro.