What to do with weird little fruit?
March 24, 2012 1:31 AM Subscribe
I bought some Kaffir Limes. (I also bought the leaves, but I've cooked with those before.) What do I do with them?
The current plan is to use a couple for the dipping sauce for Loc Lac, although I wonder if I am doing something wrong with that (the recipe I have simply calls for using lime juice).
I bought these at the amazing Kalustyans. They were next to the fresh leaves in the fridge and were a complete impulse buy.
Any and all recommendations for their use is welcome. Also, should I sacrifice half of one to get an idea of the flavor? Are they that different in taste?
The current plan is to use a couple for the dipping sauce for Loc Lac, although I wonder if I am doing something wrong with that (the recipe I have simply calls for using lime juice).
I bought these at the amazing Kalustyans. They were next to the fresh leaves in the fridge and were a complete impulse buy.
Any and all recommendations for their use is welcome. Also, should I sacrifice half of one to get an idea of the flavor? Are they that different in taste?
Best answer: You should definitely sacrifice half of one to get an idea of the taste. They taste NOTHING like any lime you've ever tasted.
Don't try and candy the peel--you'll end up with something that's not horrid, but so strong as to be nearly unusable.
Think about the zest in baked goods, the juice in cocktails.
posted by mollymayhem at 1:50 AM on March 24, 2012
Don't try and candy the peel--you'll end up with something that's not horrid, but so strong as to be nearly unusable.
Think about the zest in baked goods, the juice in cocktails.
posted by mollymayhem at 1:50 AM on March 24, 2012
The peel is used as an ingredient in curry paste. Make your own curry paste from scratch - it freezes well and it's so much better than the canned stuff!
posted by asphericalcow at 12:28 PM on March 24, 2012
posted by asphericalcow at 12:28 PM on March 24, 2012
Best answer: You can zest the limes and freeze it for future use. It's nice sprinkled over fish or in thai curry dishes. The juice itself can be used, but it has a very strong flavour, more bitter and also more perfumed (floral) than a regular lime. Be careful about substituting for regular limes without doing a taste test first. I find the taste of kiffir lime juice to be pleasant, but a little goes a long way. My partner can't stand the taste at all. I've also used the juice in cocktails, but again, you have to be careful not to go overboard, or it can easily overpower whatever you're flavouring.
posted by amusebuche at 8:32 PM on March 24, 2012
posted by amusebuche at 8:32 PM on March 24, 2012
Response by poster: I did a taste test and I think I'm in the same boat as amusebuche. I think I'll try to cocktail idea, as they are a little pricey.
posted by Hactar at 11:01 AM on March 25, 2012
posted by Hactar at 11:01 AM on March 25, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
I would bet that the juice is useful as a degreaser-type household cleaner, though.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 1:37 AM on March 24, 2012