My “The Cook Gets to Lick the Spoon” Illustration |
I knew someone once who said they liked their food bland. Um … that’s definitely NOT how I like my food. I like colorful spices, bold flavors, and bright flavors. I’m sure that each cook has their own set of flavors and spices that they consider staples – but one that I consider a staple that seems to be under appreciated in general: the lime.
Candied Lime Peel by HarmlessColor |
Flavors that can be used in both sweet a savory cooking are some of my favorites. Cinnamon, mango, allspice … and of course, lime. Of course, we all know of key lime pie, and the occasional slices of lime as garnish, but how often do you cook with lime?
The first time I realized just how essential lime can be to a dish was when my Dad stopped at a tiny little Hispanic grocery/restaurant to try their tacos. It was just a corn tortilla with some shredded pork, maybe a little cilantro – and plenty of lime. And it was deeeeelicious.
Some are just a few ideas on ways to use lime…
Little Limes Fine Art Photograph by AmeliaKayPhotography |
{ — Squeeze lime juice in with fresh diced onion, jalapeno, green pepper, tomato and cilantro for a refreshing salsa. }
{ — Sauté squash with lime juice, cumin, oregano, a little cayenne, add stewed tomatoes & serve over yellow rice. }
{ — Kaffir lime leaves are excellent in Thai curry. }
{ — Whisk a couple eggs with about ½ cup of sugar in a pan over low heat, add ¼ cup lime juice and a half stick of butter and cook about 10 minutes, stirring often. Chill for at least an hour. Makes a sweet delicious spread. }
{ — In a blender, add stewed tomatoes, fresh garlic cloves, and generous amounts of lime juice. Toss in a skillet with sautéed chicken and black beans. }
{ — Add lime zest to a basic sugar cookie recipe. }
{ — Add lime juice or lime slices to iced tea. }
Bright Lime and Yellow Pot Holders by xxxRedStitcHxxx |
Do you use limes often in your cooking?
What are some of your flavor staples?
Tell me about it in the comments!
{ and don’t forget – today’s the last day to enter my vintage raincoat giveaway!! }
Oh limes…I love them too. They had just that extra bit of spark to those certain dishes.
Oooh, spark, that's a great way to describe what lime can do for a dish. Love it- thanks Julia!
I love using limes!
There's no way I could ever say I liked my food bland. Yikes!
I definitely used a lot of fresh onions and garlic. I've gotten some herbs growing in my garden now and am excited to used them soon. Especially the cilantro; it comes in very handy when we're having fresh salsa, and is a must in any good guacamole–in which I use lime juice!
Oooh, yeah, Rebecca, those are all really good!! I think garlic and onions are maybe the most essential things for me to have on hand. I've done an herb garden before and loved it! Didn't end up doing it this year and I'm sure I'll regret it, haha :)