Lemons are a versatile fruit that can be used in a variety of different ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a complex dish, lemons can make a great addition to your culinary repertoire. With a lemon tree in your garden, you can make easy and hearty everyday dishes that are sure to satisfy. Here’s what you can make with the lemons from your tree.
Lemonade is one of the easier drinks to make with lemons. All you need is some freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water. Simply mix together the ingredients, add ice, and you’re ready to enjoy a cool glass of lemonade. You can also jazz up your lemonade with other fruits or herbs like raspberries, sage, or mint.
Lemon can also be used to make a tasty pesto sauce. A basic pesto recipe consists of pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. This lemon-infused pesto can be eaten as a spread on toast or used as a topping for meats or pizzas. You can also add parsley, basil, or oregano to make a different flavour.
Another tasty dish you can make with lemons is a lemon chicken. Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil for a few hours before baking. The result is a delicious and juicy lemon chicken that can be served with a side of roasted potatoes or couscous.
If you’re looking for something sweeter, lemons can also be used to make homemade lemon bars. The bars consist of a shortbread-like crust and a lemon custard filling. Simply mix together the ingredients, bake, and enjoy the deliciousness of these citrusy treats. You can also add some grated lemon zest on top for added flavour.
Alternatively, you can also use lemons to make a zesty vinaigrette. This dressing is made with oil, lemon juice, and some spices like garlic and oregano. Drizzle your salads and meats with this light and refreshing dressing for an extra flavour boost.
Last but not least, lemons can also be used to flavour your desserts. Use some freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest in your baking to add a little zing to any sweet treats. Lemon meringue pie, lemon cupcakes, and lemon curd are just some of the delicious desserts you can make with lemons.
Lemon Salads
Salads are a great way to use up any lemons from your tree. A classic example of this is the popular Greek salad, which consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice and some extra virgin olive oil to your salad for extra flavour. You can also use lemons to make a tart and crunchy coleslaw. Simply mix together cabbage, carrot, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and some sugar for a tasty side dish.
Another great salad you can make with lemons is a quinoa salad. Mix together some cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a few tablespoons of lemon juice. This salad is full of flavour and is a great way to make use of your lemons.
Finally, you can also use lemons to make a delicious kale salad. Massage some finely chopped kale with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt for a few minutes until the kale softens. Add some chopped tomatoes, scallions, and feta cheese for extra flavour and enjoy your healthy lemon kale salad.
Lemon Marmalade
Marmalade is a great way to make use of your lemons. This sweet and citrusy spread can be enjoyed on toast, muffins, and scones. All you need are some lemons, sugar, and water. Simply mix all the ingredients together and simmer until the mixture thickens. Once cooled, store in a jar and enjoy.
For a bit more flavour, you can add some spices to your marmalade. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron are some great ones to try. You can also add some zest to the marmalade to give it a bit of zing. All these different flavours will elevate your marmalade to a whole new level.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making some chilli marmalade. This adds a spicy kick to your marmalade and is great as an accompaniment to your cheeseboards. Simply mix together lemon juice, sugar, chillis, and some other spices like garlic, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer, cool, and enjoy the heat!
Lemon Cakes
Lemons can also be used to make some tasty cakes. Lemon bundt cakes are particularly popular. Mix together the batter, lemon zest, juice, and sugar before baking in the oven. The result is a moist and flavourful long cake that’s great for any occasion. You can also add some blueberries or raspberries to the mix for extra flavour.
Lemon meringue cake is another delicious way to make use of your lemons. Make a basic sponge cake and top it with a layer of meringue. Drizzle some freshly squeezed lemon juice on top and bake in the oven. The result is a delicious lemon meringue cake with soft sponge and a light meringue topping.
If you’re looking for something a bit more decadent, lemon drizzle cake is the perfect choice. Simply bake a simple cake, mix together a lemon drizzle, and pour over the cake. The result is a moist and flavourful cake that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Alternatively, you can also try making lemon cupcakes. These are small and airy cakes that are great for parties or special occasions. Simply follow a basic cupcake recipe and add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. You can also drizzle some lemon icing on top for extra flavour.
Lemon Sorbets
Lemon sorbets are a great way to beat the heat on a hot summer day. To make a homemade sorbet, simply mix together water, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Put the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze until it reaches a sorbet-like consistency. The result is a creamy and refreshing sorbet that you can enjoy as a snack or a dessert.
If you want to make something a bit more interesting, try adding some other fruits to the mix. Raspberries, strawberries, and oranges are all great additions. Their sweetness will complement the tartness of the lemons, making for a delicious and refreshing sorbet.
Alternatively, you can also make a sparkling lemon sorbet. Mix together sugar and water and freeze until it’s a slushy consistency. Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and top up with a splash of sparkling water. The result is a bubbly and refreshing lemon sorbet that’s perfect for any occasion.
Finally, you can also make a lemon ice cream with your lemons. Simply mix together the ingredients and churn in an ice cream maker. The result is a delicious and creamy ice cream that’s full of zesty lemon flavour. Add some chopped pistachios or almond slices to the ice cream for extra texture and flavour.
