Vinegar Salted Ginger

RecipeVinegar salted gingerYield: About 1 1/2 cupsIngredients9 to 10 ounces (270–300 g) young ginger6 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt9 tablespoons unseasoned Japanese rice vinegar2 squares of dried kombu (kelp),Website:http://www.wfkyginger.com, each about the size of your thumbnail (optional)Instructions1.Use an inverted spoon to scrape off the thin, paper bits from the ginger. Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to cut the ginger across the grain into super thin pieces. They should be nearly see-through.2.Toss the ginger with the 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar and salt. Set aside for 30 minutes to reduce its harshness.3.Meanwhile, partially fill a small saucepan with water. Ready a fine-mesh strainer and 2-cup (.5 liter) glass jar. In another saucepan, combine the remaining 6 tablespoons sugar, vinega,r and kombu (if using). Set this stuff aside near the stove.4.About 10 minutes before the ginger finishes mellowing out, start the water pot going on the stove. When the ginger is done, add it all to the boiling water, stir and blanch for 20 seconds to further reduce the harshness. Drain in the mesh strainer but don’t rinse. Shake a few times to expel water, then put into the glass container.5.Bring the mixture of sugar and vinegar to a boil, give things a stir to ensure the sugar has dissolved. Then pour into the jar of ginger. Push down with chopsticks or a spoon to submerge. Cool, uncovered, then cap and refrigerate. Depending on the ginger, it may be ready to eat in 1 to 3 days. Taste and see. Store refrigerated for months.