Creative culinary twists with tangy lemons
Lemons, those sunny orbs of citrusy goodness, are often relegated to the sidelines - think garnish on your drink or a squeeze in your lemonade. They're secret culinary powerhouses, bringing acidity and freshness that can totally revamp a dish. Discover five unexpected and totally brilliant ways to use lemons in your cooking. Trust us, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance!
Lemon-infused olive oil
Making your own lemon-infused olive oil is easy and it adds a refreshing citrus twist to salads and grilled veggies. Just combine the zest of two lemons with 250 ml of good olive oil in a jar. Let it sit for two weeks in a cool, dark place, then strain. Not only does it add flavor, but it also smells amazing!
Lemon salt
Lemon salt is the secret ingredient your spice blends are missing. Combine the finely grated zest of four lemons with 100 grams of coarse sea salt and spread it on a baking sheet. Let it dry in the oven set at the lowest temperature for approximately one hour. Once cooled, use this zesty salt to season vegetables, or even rim soft drink glasses for a refreshing twist.
Preserved lemons
Preserved lemons, a staple of Moroccan cuisine, are a secret flavor weapon in dishes around the world. Simply quarter four lemons almost all the way through and generously stuff them with salt. Pack them tightly into a jar, squeezing and topping with additional lemon juice until completely submerged. Let the jar sit at room temperature for three weeks to ferment. Use them in stews, salads, or as condiments.
Lemon sorbet
A homemade lemon sorbet is the perfect easy-to-make dessert for a refreshing and light treat. Simply dissolve one cup of sugar in one cup of water over medium heat until clear, then allow it to cool. Combine this syrup with one cup of fresh lemon juice and freeze using an ice cream maker, or stir occasionally while freezing manually for approximately four hours.
Lemon herb dressing
To make a lemon herb dressing, whisk together half a cup of lemon juice, three-fourths cup olive oil, two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon honey, and a quarter cup of chopped herbs (basil or parsley work well). Season it with salt and pepper. This dressing is perfect for salads or as a marinade for grilling vegetables.
