Preserved Lemon Paste Preserved Lemon The Spice House from www.thespicehouse.com
Introduction
Lemon paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. It is made by combining fresh lemon juice and lemon zest with sugar and heating the mixture until it thickens into a smooth paste. Lemon paste can be used as a flavoring for baked goods, sauces, dressings, marinades, and more. It is also a great way to use up excess lemons that might otherwise go to waste.
Ingredients
To make lemon paste, you will need the following ingredients:
4 lemons, zested and juiced
1 cup granulated sugar
Lemon Zest
Lemon zest is the outermost layer of the lemon peel. It is packed with flavor and aroma and is an essential ingredient in lemon paste. To zest a lemon, use a microplane or zester to remove the yellow part of the peel, being careful not to remove any of the bitter white pith underneath.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is also essential for making lemon paste. You can juice the lemons by hand using a citrus juicer or by using a juicer attachment on a food processor or blender.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten and thicken the lemon paste. You can also use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
Instructions
To make lemon paste, follow these simple instructions:
Zest and juice the lemons.
In a medium saucepan, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a smooth paste. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
Remove the lemon paste from the heat and let it cool completely.
Store the lemon paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Lemon paste is a relatively low-calorie ingredient that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. One tablespoon of lemon paste contains approximately:
20 calories
5 grams of carbohydrates
4 grams of sugar
5% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C
Uses
Lemon paste can be used in a variety of dishes to add a bright, citrusy flavor. Here are some ideas for how to use lemon paste:
Baked Goods
Add lemon paste to recipes for cakes, cookies, scones, and muffins to give them a lemony twist. You can also use lemon paste to make lemon curd, a tangy spread that is perfect for filling tarts, cakes, and pastries.
Sauces and Dressings
Lemon paste can be used to make a variety of sauces and dressings, from a simple lemon vinaigrette to a creamy lemon sauce for pasta or chicken. You can also use lemon paste as a marinade for fish or poultry.
Beverages
Add a spoonful of lemon paste to hot tea or water for a refreshing beverage that is both sweet and tangy. You can also use lemon paste to make lemonade or other citrus-based drinks.
Savory Dishes
Lemon paste can be used as a flavoring for savory dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and seafood. It pairs particularly well with dishes that have a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern flavor profile.
Conclusion
Lemon paste is a versatile ingredient that is easy to make and adds a bright, citrusy flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you use it in baked goods, sauces, dressings, or savory dishes, lemon paste is sure to add a delicious twist to your favorite recipes. So next time you have a surplus of lemons, give this recipe a try and see what creative uses you can come up with for lemon paste.
