Best 2 Lemon Confit Recipes
Lemon confit is a classic condiment and ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, highly regarded for its versatility and distinctive flavor profile. Made from preserved lemons cured in salt, lemon juice, and occasionally spices, this culinary creation offers a unique balance of tartness, bitterness, and sweetness. While the traditional method of preparing lemon confit requires patience, the end result is a delightful addition to both sweet and savory dishes, adding a burst of citrusy brightness and complexity to everything from tagines and stews to salads, desserts, and cocktails.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
CONFIT LEEKS WITH LENTILS, LEMON AND CREAM
Leeks slow-cooked in olive oil star in this hearty vegetarian main of lentils, lemon and herbs. These confit leeks are roasted and softened without browning, slowly releasing their flavor into the oil. The mixture could be spooned over baked potatoes or roasted chicken, but the lentils give the dish heft and bite, and the leek cream makes it extra special. If you can't find French lentils, you can easily substitute other green or beluga lentils, or pearl barley or other grains. Serve this dish warm or at room temperature, and eat alongside some roasted potatoes for a complete meal, if you like.
Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi
Categories dinner, lunch, vegetables, main course, side dish
Time 2h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If necessary, soak and carefully rinse the leek rounds in a large bowl of water to get rid of any excess grit. Drain, then cautiously pat dry, keeping the rounds intact.
- Add the leeks, garlic, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper to a 12-by-8-inch/30-by-20-centimeter baking dish. Mix gently to combine, then pour the oil on top. Arrange the leeks cut-side up, then cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently turn the leeks using two forks. Cover again with foil and return to the oven to bake until completely softened, about 35 minutes more. Turn the oven temperature up to 200 degrees Celsius/400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- As the leeks bake, fill a medium saucepan about two-thirds of the way with water and bring to a boil over high. Add the lentils and cook until just tender but not at all mushy, 12 to 15 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- When ready, remove the confit leeks from the oven and transfer a heaping 1/2 cup/100 grams of the cooked leeks plus 5 of the garlic cloves to a bowl for the leek cream. Add the cooked lentils to the remaining leeks in the baking dish along with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a good grind of pepper; mix gently to combine. Cover again with the foil and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and leave to settle for 10 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs.
- While the lentils bake with the leeks, make the cream: Add reserved leeks and garlic to a food processor along with the heavy cream, mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon of salt; blitz until smooth.
- When ready, stir the remaining 4 tablespoons lemon juice and the chopped herbs into the lentil and leek mixture. Transfer to a rimmed platter and serve with the leek cream in a bowl alongside.
HALIBUT CONFIT WITH LEEKS, CORIANDER, AND LEMON
Ask for a thick center-cut piece of halibut, which makes for the nicest presentation.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories Roast Low Carb Dinner Halibut Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Paleo Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Coarsely grind 1 tablespoon coriander seeds in a spice mill or with a mortar and pestle. (Alternatively, you can coarsely chop with a knife.)
- Toss leeks, cilantro sprigs, oil, half of lemon slices, and 2 teaspoons ground coriander in a large roasting pan; season with salt. Roast, tossing occasionally, until leeks are tender and starting to brown, 15-20 minutes. Remove roasting pan from oven and carefully pour infused oil into a large heatproof measuring cup.
- Reduce oven temperature to 275°F. Season halibut with salt and arrange over leeks in roasting pan. Top with remaining lemon slices and ground coriander and pour infused oil over fish. Roast until halibut is just cooked through and starting to flake, 30-35 minutes.
- Cut halibut into large pieces and serve with leeks and lemon topped with chopped coriander seeds and cilantro leaves.
- Do ahead: Halibut can be roasted 1 hour ahead. Let cool and cover.
Tips:
- Choose the right lemons: Meyer lemons and Eureka lemons are the best choices for making lemon confit, as they have a thin rind and a bright, tart flavor.
- Use organic lemons: Organic lemons are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, which can leave a bitter taste in the lemon confit.
- Wash the lemons thoroughly: To remove any dirt or debris, wash the lemons thoroughly in warm water before using them.
- Score the lemons: Scoring the lemons helps the brine penetrate the rinds more easily and evenly.
- Use a variety of spices and herbs: To add flavor to the lemon confit, use a variety of spices and herbs, such as black peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Store the lemon confit in a cool, dark place: Lemon confit can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Conclusion:
Lemon confit is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add a bright, tart flavor to your cooking. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make your own lemon confit at home. So next time you have some extra lemons on hand, give this recipe a try!
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