Pack in some lemony punch

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From refreshing summer drinks to vinaigrettes to yummy desserts, the ellipsoidal yellow fruit — lemon accounts as an important ingredient for various kinds of summer recipes. We pick up some of them.

Healthy starter
While Tofu is high on proteins, lemon is best known for increasing the immunity of the body and digestibility. Chef Harman Singh at Fork You says, “Lemon Tofu is best savoured as a healthy starter. Tofu is well known for its ability to absorb new flavours through spices and marinades. When marinated in lemon sauce, tofu quickly acts as a coagulant and absorbs the tanginess and the juiciness of the lemon juice.”

Veggie’s Delight
The simple mushroom can be given a new lease of life by adding the sourness of lemon to it. “Lemon Pranko mushrooms is an innovative dish that can be prepared by fleshing out the stem of the mushroom and filling it with lemon juice. The earthiness of the mushrooms and the tanginess and brightness of the lemon make it a perfect dish in terms of taste and presentation,” says chef Bishwadeep at Buzz, Saket and Gurgaon.

Summer Coolers
Lemon is known to be a refreshing, energising summer drink. When added with a tinge of salt and slight juice of Kumquats, it makes for an excellent summer cooler. “Kumquats are often consumed raw. As the rind is sweet and the juicy center is sour, it blends very well with lemon,” says Nin Naqvi, head — marketing foods and hospitality at Alchemist Group.

Quick Sweet Bites
“Lemon and Ginger cheese slice is a velvety cheesecake with a small cookie at the base to give crunchiness to the dessert. The flavours are kept light in this dessert so that the tinge of ginger and the sourness of lemon does not overpower the flavour of the dessert”, says chef Santosh Reddy, Radisson Blu MBD, Noida. Executive chef Dalip Kumar, The Pink Room says, “Fresh lemons mixed with vanilla essence and castor sugar makes for a potent flavour, is easily digestible and a perfect dessert after a heavy meal.”
Executive chef, Sandeep Panwar, The Metropolitan Hotel talks about Lemon meringue pie. “It is a baked pie that can be served with cream after the meals,” says chef.

Lemon tart
Ingredients

For Tart:
Maida ¾ cup
Butter ¾ cup
Salt a pinch
Cold water ¼ cup

Lemon Filling:
Sugar ½ cup
Corn Starch 3 tablespoons
Lemon Juice ¼ cup
Finely grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons
Salt a pinch
Cold water ¼ cup

Method

For making a tart shell
Mix flour and salt together and rub in butter with finger tips in the form crumbs.
Add ice cold water and knead to make stiff dough. Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes and then roll it with a rolling pin. Put the dough in tart moulds and bake it until light brown.

Method for making lemon filling
Take water, sugar, corn starch and salt together and beat all until corn starch dissolves. Boil the mixture over medium heat and stir it until it thickens.
Pour the mixture in a vessel, add lemon juice and lemon zest, mix well. Allow the mixture to cool. Put the mixture on tart shells, put cherries.
Recipe courtesy: Food expert, Bharati Sanghi