Lekvar Prune Plum Filling
Scandinavian Lekvar Prune Plum Filling Recipe | Vegetarian Food
Introduction
Lekvar prune plum filling is a delicious and versatile filling that can be used in a variety of baked goods, such as pastries, cookies, and cakes. Made from a combination of pitted prunes, water, lemon rind, lemon juice, and brown sugar, this filling has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with a wide range of desserts.
History
Lekvar prune plum filling has its origins in Eastern European cuisine, where it is commonly used in traditional pastries such as kolaches and rugelach. The word "lekvar" comes from the Hungarian word for "jam," and this filling has been a staple in Hungarian, Slovak, and Czech baking for centuries.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups of pitted prunes, lightly packed
- 0.67 cups of water
- 1 tsp of grated lemon rind
- 3 tbsp of lemon juice
- 0.33 cups of brown sugar
How to prepare
- Simmer the ingredients covered for 25-30 minutes until they become very soft and most of the water has evaporated.
- If necessary, uncover the mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Remove the mixture from heat and mash it.
- Stir in the brown sugar.
- You can store the lekvar in the refrigerator for a long time.
- Transfer it to a canning jar.
Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Substitute orange juice and zest for the lemon juice and rind for a citrusy twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to simmer the ingredients covered to ensure that the prunes become soft and the flavors meld together.
- Mash the mixture well to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Store the lekvar in a canning jar in the refrigerator for long-term use.
Serving Suggestions
Use this lekvar filling in pastries, cookies, cakes, or spread it on toast or crackers for a sweet treat.
Cooking Techniques
Simmer the ingredients covered to soften the prunes and meld the flavors together.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use dried apricots or figs in place of prunes for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
This filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the lekvar in a small dish with a spoon for easy spreading.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this filling with a buttery pastry or a flaky pie crust for a delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the lekvar in a canning jar in the refrigerator for long-term use. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
120 per serving
Carbohydrates
28g per serving
Fats
0g per serving
Proteins
0g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This filling is a good source of vitamin C and fiber.
Alergens
This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Summary
Lekvar prune plum filling is a low-fat, low-protein, and high-carbohydrate filling that is rich in vitamin C and fiber.
Summary
Lekvar prune plum filling is a versatile and delicious filling that can be used in a variety of baked goods. With a sweet and tangy flavor, this filling is a great addition to pastries, cookies, and cakes. Rich in vitamin C and fiber, this filling is a healthy and tasty option for your baking needs.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Lekvar Prune Plum Filling. It was many years ago, on a crisp autumn day, when I had wandered into a quaint little bakery tucked away in a small village in Hungary. The air was filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries, and I couldn't resist stepping inside to see what delectable treats they had to offer.
As soon as I entered the bakery, I was greeted by the warm smile of an elderly woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Katalin. She was the owner and head baker of the shop, and she welcomed me with open arms. I spent hours watching her work her magic in the kitchen, kneading dough, shaping pastries, and filling them with all sorts of delicious fillings.
One day, as I was helping Mrs. Katalin prepare a batch of kolaches, she pulled out a jar of dark, thick filling from the pantry. When I asked her what it was, she simply replied, "Lekvar. Prune plum filling. A traditional Hungarian recipe passed down through generations."
Intrigued, I asked her to teach me how to make it. She smiled and handed me a worn, stained recipe card that had been in her family for decades. The ingredients were simple - just ripe prune plums, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice - but the process was more complex than I had anticipated.
Mrs. Katalin patiently guided me through each step, from pitting and chopping the plums to simmering them on the stove until they had turned into a thick, rich paste. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, a combination of sweet and tart that made my mouth water.
After several hours of cooking and stirring, the Lekvar was finally ready. Mrs. Katalin spooned it into a glass jar and sealed it with a lid, then handed it to me with a smile. "Now you can make your own kolaches at home, just like we do here in Hungary," she said.
I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe forever. Little did I know just how much that promise would mean to me in the years to come.
Back home, I wasted no time in putting my newfound knowledge to use. I baked batch after batch of kolaches, filling them with the homemade Lekvar and sharing them with friends and family. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone raving about the rich, fruity filling that added a new dimension to the pastries.
As the years passed, I continued to experiment with the Lekvar recipe, adding my own twist here and there. Sometimes I would substitute other fruits for the plums, such as apricots or cherries, or add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile. Each variation was met with enthusiasm, and soon I had a whole collection of fruit fillings to choose from.
But no matter how many variations I tried, the original prune plum Lekvar remained my favorite. There was something about the deep, earthy sweetness of the plums that spoke to me on a soul level, reminding me of Mrs. Katalin and the day she had shared her family recipe with me.
To this day, whenever I make a batch of Lekvar Prune Plum Filling, I think of that small bakery in Hungary and the kind, generous woman who took me under her wing. I am forever grateful for the gift she gave me, not just in the form of a recipe, but in the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I know that as long as I have the ability to bake, Mrs. Katalin's legacy will live on in every batch of kolaches that comes out of my oven.
Categories
| Brown Sugar Recipes | Pureed Prunes Recipes | Scandinavian Appetizers | Scandinavian Desserts | Scandinavian Recipes | Scandinavian Snacks | Scandinavian Vegetarian |