Zesty transformations: Cooking with preserved lemons
Preserved lemons, packed in salt and their own juices (and occasionally spices), are unsung heroes in many world cuisines. They bring a depth and complexity to dishes that transform everyday meals into something special. This article shares five ways to use preserved lemons to elevate your cooking with their unique, zesty tang.
Elevate your salad dressings
Adding finely chopped preserved lemons to your salad dressings can elevate them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The tangy and slightly salty flavor of preserved lemons is a perfect complement to olive oil, vinegar, or yogurt-based dressings. Just a tablespoon of finely chopped preserved lemon mixed into your dressing can turn a simple salad into a refreshing culinary delight with a hint of unexpected zest.
Boost your baking
Adding preserved lemons to your baking brings a deliciously unexpected twist to traditional recipes. Whether making lemon pound cake, muffins, or scones, replacing fresh lemon zest with finely chopped preserved lemon peel adds a richer, more complex citrus flavor. Start with one teaspoon of finely chopped peel for every two cups of flour in your recipe, and adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
Enhance your pasta dishes
Preserved lemons are the secret weapon you never knew your pasta needed. Finely diced rind added to olive oil-based sauces creates a fragrant and flavorful base that pairs beautifully with vegetable and seafood pastas. For a simple but gourmet meal, saute garlic in olive oil, add diced preserved lemon rind and capers, then toss through cooked spaghetti or linguine.
Upgrade your grain bowls
Grain bowls thrive on texture and flavor contrasts, and preserved lemons bring both to the table. Their salty-sour punch cuts through the earthiness of grains like quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat. Stir diced preserved lemon rind into warm, cooked grains with fresh herbs. This zesty mix makes a great side dish or the base of a hearty grain bowl. Top it with roasted veggies, and you're in for a treat.
Reinvent your hummus
Take your hummus to new heights by blending in chopped preserved lemons during preparation. The fermented citrus lends depth to the creamy chickpea spread while contributing its own unique tangy flavor profile. Begin with one tablespoon of finely chopped preserved lemon per cup of hummus and adjust to your liking for tanginess.
