Buddha's hand, an unusual citrus fruit with a striking appearance and a fragrant zest, is a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. With its unique aroma and ability to enhance flavors without adding acidity, Buddha's hand can elevate your cooking to a new level. Here are five mouth-watering recipes that put this peculiar citrus at the center of the stage.
Buddha’s Hand Limoncello
Limoncello is traditionally made with lemons, but Buddha’s hand provides a unique, slightly sweeter and less tart alternative. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients:
- 1 Buddha’s hand
- 750 ml vodka
- 300g sugar
- 500 ml water
- Steps:
- Peel the Buddha’s hand to obtain the zest, avoiding the white pith.
- Combine the zest with vodka in a large jar, seal, and let it infuse in a dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
- Strain out the zest, reserving the infused vodka.
- Create a simple syrup by dissolving the sugar in water over low heat. Let it cool.
- Mix the cooled simple syrup with the infused vodka. Bottle and allow to age for at least another week for the flavors to mellow.
🍋 Note: Buddha’s hand limoncello has a slightly floral and less acidic taste compared to traditional limoncello.
Buddha’s Hand and Lemon Marmalade
Marmalade becomes an exotic treat when you incorporate Buddha’s hand:
- Ingredients:
- 1 Buddha’s hand
- 2 large lemons
- 800g sugar
- 1 liter water
- Steps:
- Slice Buddha’s hand and lemons very thinly, removing seeds and discarding the pith.
- In a large pot, combine the slices with water and let it stand overnight.
- The next day, boil for 30 minutes until the slices are tender.
- Add sugar, stirring until dissolved, then simmer until the marmalade sets (it should reach about 220°F or 105°C).
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
🍓 Note: The addition of Buddha’s hand provides a unique texture and flavor to the marmalade.
Risotto with Buddha’s Hand
Risotto is typically savory, but adding Buddha’s hand gives it a fragrant twist:
- Ingredients:
- 300g Arborio rice
- 1 Buddha’s hand, finely zested
- 150ml white wine
- 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g Parmesan, grated
- 50g butter
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Steps:
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the rice, stirring to coat with oil. Pour in wine and let it evaporate.
- Gradually add warm stock, stirring until the rice is cooked al dente (about 18-20 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in zest of Buddha’s hand, butter, and half the Parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve with a garnish of extra zest and the remaining Parmesan.
🍚 Note: The delicate aroma of Buddha’s hand complements the creaminess of the risotto.
Buddha’s Hand Martini
Create a citrusy martini with a twist:
- Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin or vodka
- 15 ml dry vermouth
- Twist of Buddha’s hand
- Ice
- Steps:
- Fill a shaker with ice, add gin or vodka, and vermouth.
- Shake well until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of Buddha’s hand for an aromatic citrus note.
🍸 Note: The twist of Buddha’s hand adds a fragrant complexity to the classic martini.
Buddha’s Hand Sorbet
For a refreshing, palate-cleansing dessert:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 Buddha’s hand, finely zested
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Steps:
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar, heating until the sugar dissolves. Cool this simple syrup.
- Stir in the zest of Buddha’s hand and lemon juice.
- Process in an ice cream maker or pour into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring occasionally until slushy.
- Once slushy, transfer to a freezer container and freeze until firm.
🍧 Note: Buddha’s hand sorbet can be served as an elegant intermezzo or dessert.
The exploration of Buddha’s hand in cooking opens up a world of unique flavor profiles and aromas that can transform any dish. This citrus not only adds a visual appeal but also infuses dishes with a hint of the exotic, making meals memorable. Whether you’re using it in cocktails, desserts, or savory dishes, Buddha’s hand is sure to be a conversation starter and a culinary delight.
What does Buddha’s hand taste like?
+
Buddha’s hand has a citrusy taste with hints of lemon and bergamot. It’s unique because it lacks the acidic bite of typical citrus fruits, offering a sweet, almost floral flavor profile.
Can you eat Buddha’s hand raw?
+
Yes, you can eat Buddha’s hand raw, but it’s not typically consumed in this way. Instead, its zest is used for its aromatic qualities in cooking and baking.
How do you store Buddha’s hand?
+
Store Buddha’s hand in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or a perforated plastic bag. It can also be frozen for longer storage, though this will diminish some of its aromatic qualities.
Where can you buy Buddha’s hand?
+
Buddha’s hand might be found at specialty grocery stores, Asian markets, or farmers’ markets. Online stores or through specialized citrus vendors are also good sources.
