Cooking with lingonberries: 5 unique recipes to try
What's the story
Lingonberries, the secret stars of Nordic cuisine, are tiny, red jewels known for their deliciously tart flavor. Flourishing in the wild forests of Scandinavia, they've been a staple food and natural remedy for hundreds of years. Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, lingonberries bring a unique taste to a wide range of dishes. This article features five creative ways to cook with lingonberries.
Jam
Lingonberry jam: A versatile spread
Making lingonberry jam is easy and the resulting condiment is super versatile. All you need are lingonberries, sugar, and water, and you're on your way to a delicious spread that's perfect for breads, pancakes, and even meats. The tartness of the berries perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar, making it an ideal topping for all sorts of dishes.
Dressing
Enhance your salads with lingonberry dressing
A homemade lingonberry vinaigrette is the secret to taking your salad to the next level. Simply whisk together olive oil, vinegar, minced shallots, salt, pepper, and lingonberry jam for a sweet and tangy dressing that's sure to impress. This dressing doesn't just pack a punch of flavor - it also adds a vibrant pop of color to your greens.
Sauce
Sweet meets savory: Lingonberry sauce for tofu dishes
Lingonberries can be transformed into a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with tofu dishes. Just simmer the berries with orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and a bit of sugar or honey until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. This sweet and savory sauce is ideal for serving with tofu or tempeh.
Baking
Bake with berries: Lingonberry muffins
To give your muffins a Scandinavian touch, try adding fresh or frozen lingonberries to the batter. The berries' tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the muffin mix. And, for an extra pop of berry goodness, gently fold some lingonberry jam into the batter just before baking. This creates pockets of intense flavor, making each muffin a little taste of Nordic delight!
Smoothie
Refreshing lingonberry smoothies
Kickstart your morning with a delicious smoothie! Simply blend yogurt or almond milk with bananas, honey, and frozen lingonberries for a healthy, energizing breakfast. This results in a bright, nutrient-packed drink that's both refreshing and satisfying. Including lingonberries in smoothies enhances their nutritional profile and adds a beautiful pink color.