Vegans: This citrus ingredient will make your recipes shine
What's the story
Lemon myrtle, indigenous to Australia, is renowned for its potent lemon fragrance, thanks to the high citral content in its leaves.
Its use is rapidly expanding in vegan cuisine, as it imparts a unique zest without relying on animal products.
This article highlights five innovative ways to incorporate lemon myrtle into vegan recipes, allowing you to amplify flavors while maintaining a plant-based lifestyle.
Beverage
Refreshing lemon myrtle tea
The process of making lemon myrtle tea is easy and incredibly rewarding.
Just boil one teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water for approximately five minutes.
This tea delivers a vibrant citrusy taste alongside health benefits like enhanced digestion and a strengthened immune system.
It's the ideal companion for any moment of the day, offering both comfort and invigoration.
Salad dressing
Zesty lemon myrtle dressing
Give your salads a gourmet twist with a zesty lemon myrtle dressing.
Simply combine olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and ground lemon myrtle leaves in a jar. Shake vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a delicious dressing.
Drizzle this over any green salad or roasted vegetable dish. It's particularly scrumptious with avocados and tomatoes, complementing their flavors perfectly.
Dessert
Vegan lemon myrtle cheesecake
Dessert lovers, rejoice! A vegan cheesecake infused with the tangy flavor of ground lemon myrtle leaves is here to tantalize your taste buds.
The cashew-based filling gets its creaminess from being soaked and blended with coconut cream, while the ground lemon myrtle adds a unique, zesty twist.
The result? A creamy, decadent dessert that doesn't skimp on freshness.
Cooking oil
Lemon myrtle infused olive oil
Infusing olive oil with lemon myrtle is an excellent way to utilize this versatile herb in your culinary creations.
Simply add dried leaves to olive oil, allow it to infuse for two weeks, then strain.
This infused oil can be used as a marinade for vegetables or drizzled over pasta as a finishing touch, imparting depth and a refreshing citrusy brightness to your dishes.
Snack
Savory lemon myrtle roasted nuts
Take plain nuts to a whole new level of deliciousness by roasting them with ground lemon myrtle leaves, sea salt, and a touch of chili powder for a kick.
Almonds, cashews, or macadamias are especially tasty with this seasoning combination.
Roast until golden brown in the oven, and you'll have an irresistible snack that perfectly balances savory, salty, and the unique citrus flavor of lemon myrtle.