Greek Lemon Spoon Sweet Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lemon Spoon Sweet is a bright and tangy preserve made from zesty lemons simmered in a rich sugar syrup. This traditional treat captures the essence of fresh lemons in a way that’s perfect for serving by the spoon alongside coffee or desserts.

Ingredients

• 8 large organic lemons
• 1 kg (35.5 oz or 5 cups) granulated sugar
• 350 ml (12 fl. oz or 1½ cups) water
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash the lemons thoroughly and dry them well.
2. Step 2: Using a grater, zest off just the yellow peel of each lemon, avoiding the white pith. Save this zest for another use if desired.
3. Step 3: Cut the lemon peels into large chunks.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the lemon peels. Boil for 4-5 minutes, then drain and discard the water. Repeat this boiling and draining process three times to reduce bitterness.
5. Step 5: Remove most of the fibrous tissue from inside each peel to improve texture.
6. Step 6: Combine sugar and water in a clean saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat and add the lemon peels to the syrup. Let it simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar for 40-50 minutes, until the lemon peels are tender and the syrup thickens. Skim the surface as needed.
8. Step 8: Test the syrup by lifting some on a metal spoon; when it runs off holding a steady stream, it is ready.
9. Step 9: Stir in the juice of half a lemon towards the end of cooking.
10. Step 10: Pour the spoon sweet into sterilized glass jars, ensuring the syrup fully covers the lemon peels.
11. Step 11: Store the jars upside down until completely cooled to help seal.

Tips & Variations

• Using organic lemons ensures a fresh, clean flavor without wax or pesticides on the peel.
• Remove the white pith carefully to prevent bitterness and achieve a smooth taste.
• If you prefer a less sweet spoon sweet, reduce the sugar slightly but balance with careful simmering to reach the right syrup consistency.
• Add a few cloves or a cinnamon stick during simmering for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store the spoon sweet in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemons instead of organic?

While you can use regular lemons, organic ones are recommended since you use the peel in this recipe and organic lemons are free from wax and pesticides.

How do I know when the syrup is done?

The syrup is ready when it runs off a metal spoon in a steady stream rather than dripping quickly. This indicates proper thickness and sugar concentration.

Greek Lemon Spoon Sweet Recipe

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4.5 from 58 reviews

Greek Lemon Spoon Sweet is a traditional homemade preserve featuring tender lemon peels simmered in a fragrant, thickened syrup infused with fresh lemon juice. This sweet and tangy delicacy captures the vibrant essence of organic lemons and is perfect for serving as a refreshing dessert topping or a flavorful accompaniment to cheese and nuts.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3 jars (about 1 liter total yield) 1x
• Category: Preserves
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 8 large organic zesty lemons
• 1 kg (35.5 oz, 5 cups) granulated sugar
• 350 ml (12 fl. oz, 1½ cups) water
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

1. Wash the lemons: Rinse the lemons thoroughly under cold water to clean off any dirt or residues, then dry them well with a towel.
2. Grate the zest: Using a grater, carefully remove just the bright yellow exterior peel from each lemon, avoiding the white pith. Reserve the zest for another use if desired.
3. Cut the peel: Slice the remaining lemon peel into large chunks, preparing them for boiling.
4. Boil and drain the peel: Place the lemon peel chunks in a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 4-5 minutes then discard the water and drain the peels. Repeat this boiling and draining process two more times (total of 3 times) to reduce bitterness.
5. Remove fibrous tissue: Carefully remove most of the fibrous white tissue from inside each lemon peel chunk to improve texture.
6. Prepare sugar syrup: In the same saucepan, combine the sugar and water, then bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar completely dissolves.
7. Simmer with peels: Reduce the heat and add the prepared lemon peels to the syrup. Let it simmer gently with the lid slightly ajar for about 40-50 minutes until the lemon peels become tender and the syrup thickens. Skim off any foam from the surface as necessary.
8. Test syrup thickness: To check if the spoon sweet is ready, dip a metal spoon into the syrup and lift it out. When the syrup runs off slowly in a steady stream rather than dripping quickly, it indicates proper thickness.
9. Add lemon juice: Stir in the juice of half a lemon towards the end of cooking for added brightness.
10. Jar and cool: Pour the finished lemon spoon sweet into sterilized glass jars, making sure the syrup fully covers the lemon peels. Store the jars upside down until completely cooled to seal properly before refrigeration or storage.

Notes

• Use organic lemons to avoid pesticide residues, especially since the peel is used.
• Removing most of the bitterness involves multiple boils and draining; do not skip this step.
• Removing fibrous tissue improves the mouthfeel of the preserve.
• Spoon sweet can be served chilled or at room temperature as a dessert topping or accompaniment to cheese and nuts.
• Store in a cool, dark place after sealing, and refrigerate after opening.

Keywords: Greek lemon spoon sweet, lemon preserve, lemon peel preserve, homemade spoon sweet, traditional Greek dessert