Lemon Curry

Why yes, I did end up making a quart of preserved lemons.  Why do you ask?  This recipe will work just as well with lemon zest and juice.  I just happened to run a bunch of the preserves through the mini food processor.

This recipe is just for the sauce.  What you put in it is up to you.  I would recommend a protein and one or two vegetables.  I did cabbage, the last of the garden's spinach, and lentils, because that's what I had.  You could do spinach and chicken, or fish and green beans, or any of a dozen combinations that sound good with coconut-and-lemon sauce.

I'm reaping the benefits of the pantry restock and not spending as much per week on groceries as I would if all these ingredients were new.  My only new purchase was $1 for half of a cabbage, since I had stewed up the other half to have with the leftover mafé sauce and some shredded chicken and the last of a box of linguine.

*2 lemons, preserved or fresh
1 Tb olive oil
*1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground coriander
*1 tsp curry powder, or to taste
*1 clove garlic, minced
*1/2 tsp grated ginger
1 Tb sugar
*1 14 oz can coconut milk, lite ok
*1/2 tsp honey
kosher salt to taste
*1 Tb herb of choice to go with the dish, like cilantro or basil

1a.  If using preserved lemons, soak them in water for 12 hours and drain to reduce saltiness.  Run through food processor into a slurry.

1b.  For whole lemons, zest as well as possible.  Juice lemons and keep both juice and zest ready.

2.  Drizzle oil into a medium saucepan.  Heat over medium and add onions.  Cook until well softened, about 8 minutes.  Add turmeric, coriander, and curry powder and cook until fragrant.  Add garlic and ginger and cook 2 minutes more.

3.  Add puréed lemons or zest & juice and cook into the mix.  Stir in coconut milk and sugar, and bring everything to a low boil.  Taste and add salt if necessary.  Drizzle with honey and any fresh herbs to finish.

4.  Sauce can be served on the side or poured over veggies and protein to make a stew.

Difficulty rating  π