Kaffir lime leaves [Citrus hystrix, C. papedia] are part of the kaffir lime tree, a type of lime native to Indonesia. These fragrant leaves are perfect for Asian cuisines, such as Thai, Indonesian, Cambodian, and Lao cuisine. Kaffir lime leaves can be recognized by their gem-green color and distinctive shape, like two leaves joined together. This article will guide you through using kaffir lime leaves.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting Leaves
Step 1. Get the kaffir lime leaves
If you live in an appropriate climate, you can plant a kaffir lime tree. Kaffir lime leaves can also be found in Asian grocery stores in various countries, both fresh and dried.
Step 2. Know how to use kaffir lime leaves in cooking
You can use fresh or dried kaffir lime leaves, depending on the recipe you're using. Note the following important points:
- Use whole kaffir lime leaves when making soups and curries. Meanwhile, if you use kaffir lime leaves to make otak-otak or the like, tear the leaves before using. Kaffir lime leaves are rarely eaten, unless they are finely chopped, as in Tod Mun (a fish-based Thai dish).
- Use young kaffir lime leaves that are still tender, instead of dried kaffir lime leaves, when making lettuce.
- The center and tops of the leaves may taste bitter if you use old kaffir lime leaves. To avoid the bitter taste, remove the unwanted parts before cooking.
Method 2 of 3: Cooking with Kaffir lime leaves
Step 1. Use kaffir lime leaves when cooking
Kaffir lime leaves are perfect for adding flavor to Asian dishes. Its strong aroma and taste will enrich the flavors of stir-fries, curries, lettuce, and fishcakes. You can use kaffir lime leaves in the following dishes:
- Thai soups and curries, such as Tom Yum
- Indonesian Curry
- Thai fishcakes (such as Tod Mun), and Thai steamed fish dishes (such as Haw Moak)
- Bouquet Garni Asia, which is made from kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and ginger. Use the spices to add flavor to the broth.
- Krueng - pasta made from kaffir lime leaves
- Flavored rice - When cooking rice, especially with flavored rice, add kaffir lime leaves to add flavor to the rice.
- Chicken marinade - You can also add kaffir lime leaves to marinade chicken, pork, or lamb.
- Syrup - Put kaffir lime leaves in sugar, and use the sugar to make sugar the next day.
- Sweet and sour prawn soup. Dry the kaffir lime leaves before use to strengthen the aroma, then add to the soup 1 minute before serving.
Method 3 of 3: Another Way to Enjoy Kaffir lime leaves
Step 1. Add kaffir lime leaves to bath water when you take a hot shower
The smell of lime leaves will come out of the bath water.
Step 2. Mix some torn kaffir lime leaves in the potpourri for a citrusy scent, and place the potpourri outdoors
Undoubtedly, the aroma of potpourri will waft in the air when you eat.
Step 3. Refresh hand scent by rubbing kaffir lime leaves on hands
The scent of fragrant kaffir lime leaves will stick to your hands. Before using kaffir lime leaves regularly, test your skin's reaction by rubbing the leaves on a small area of your hand.
Tips
- The availability of kaffir lime leaves may depend on the popularity of Thai or Indonesian cuisine in your area. If kaffir lime leaves are not available in stores, you can order them online.
- Kaffir lime leaves are also known as makrut leaves, Kaffir lime leaves, or magrood leaves.
- If you can't find kaffir lime leaves, you can replace them with fresh limes or lime leaves.
- Delia Smith recommends that you grind the kaffir lime leaves before use.
- Kaffir lime leaves can be preserved by freezing. Place the fresh kaffir lime leaves in a plastic bag, then place in the freezer. Besides freezing, you can also preserve kaffir lime leaves by drying them.
- Today, kaffir lime leaves are also used in Cajun cuisine.
- You can order kaffir lime leaves online from Thailand.
