Description
A traditional Greek Lemon Spoon Sweet recipe featuring tender lemon peels simmered in a fragrant, thickened syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice. This sweet preserve, with its bright citrus flavor and aromatic notes, is perfect for serving in small amounts alongside coffee or as a delightful treat on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 large organic zesty lemons
- 1 kg granulated sugar (35.5 oz / 5 cups)
- 350 ml water (12 fl.oz / 1½ cups)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Wash the lemons: Thoroughly wash and dry the lemons to remove any dirt or residues.
- Grate the zest: Using a grater, carefully zest just the bright yellow outer peel of each lemon, avoiding the white pith. Set the zest aside for another use.
- Cut the peel: Slice the lemon peels into large chunks suitable for spoon sweets.
- Boil the peel: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add the lemon peel chunks. Boil for 4-5 minutes, then drain the water. Repeat this boiling and draining process two more times (three times total) to reduce bitterness, then drain well.
- Remove fibrous tissue: Carefully remove most of the fibrous white tissue from the inside of the lemon peels to improve texture and reduce bitterness.
- Prepare syrup: Combine sugar and 350 ml water in the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer with peels: Reduce heat to low and add the prepared lemon peels to the syrup. Let simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 40-50 minutes, until peels are tender and the syrup has thickened. Skim off any foam from the surface during cooking as needed.
- Test doneness: Dip a metal spoon into the syrup and lift it. When the syrup runs off in a continuous stream without breaking, the spoon sweet is ready.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the juice of half a lemon near the end of cooking to brighten the flavor.
- Jar the sweet: Pour the hot lemon spoon sweet into sterilized glass jars, ensuring the syrup fully covers the lemon peels.
- Cool and store: Seal jars and store them upside down until completely cooled to create a vacuum seal and preserve freshness.
Notes
- Repeated boiling of lemon peels removes bitterness and softens the texture significantly.
- Removing fibrous tissue helps achieve a more delicate mouthfeel.
- Skimming foam during simmering ensures a clear syrup.
- The syrup thickens to a perfect consistency for spoon sweets, which is when it runs off a spoon in a steady stream.
- Spoon sweets are traditionally served in small spoonfuls alongside Greek coffee or desserts.
- Store in cool, dark places and refrigerate after opening.
- You can use the reserved lemon zest for other recipes or garnishes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek lemon spoon sweet, lemon preserves, citrus spoon sweet, traditional Greek dessert, lemon peel preserve, homemade spoon sweet
