Lemon Bars

Omani Lemon Bars Recipe with Fresh Ingredients

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of a buttery crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a summer picnic or a holiday gathering.

History

The origins of lemon bars are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The combination of lemon filling on top of a shortbread crust has become a popular dessert in many households.

Ingredients

For the crust

1 cup of soft butter
0.5 cup of powdered (confectioners) sugar (if unavailable locally, make by grinding sugar in a coffee grinder)
2 cups of white flour
a dash of salt

For the filling

0.25 cup of white flour
2 cups of sugar
4 large eggs (5 Omani store size eggs), beaten
6 tbsp of lemon or lime juice
0.5 tsp of baking powder

How to prepare

To make the crust, thoroughly combine all of the ingredients. Press the mixture into a 9" x 13" cake pan and bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 14 minutes or until it turns light brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
To make the filling, thoroughly mix all of the ingredients until well combined. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Sprinkle the top with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze. Cut into bars and serve.
For the glaze, stir together 0.5 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 2 tbsp of prepared milk.

Variations

Add a layer of raspberry or blueberry jam between the crust and filling for a fruity twist.
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a tangy variation.
Top the bars with a meringue topping for a more elegant presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly combine the ingredients for both the crust and the filling to ensure a smooth and even texture.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry and crumbly.

- For a more intense lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the filling mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon bars are best served chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a light hand when pressing the crust into the pan to avoid a dense and tough texture.

- When baking the bars, keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine or shortening instead of butter for the crust.

- Cornstarch can be used as a substitute for flour in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the bars into small squares or triangles for a bite-sized treat. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon bars pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They also go well with a glass of sparkling wine for a more elegant dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover lemon bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lemon bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lemon bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lemon bars contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of lemon bars contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon bars are a good source of vitamin C, providing about 10% of the recommended daily intake per serving.

Alergens

Lemon bars contain dairy (butter, eggs) and gluten (flour), so they may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Lemon bars are a delicious treat that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Lemon bars are a classic dessert that combines the tartness of lemon with a buttery crust. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these delicious bars with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet treat that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a sunny afternoon in the spring of 1965, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. She was bustling about, pulling ingredients from her well-stocked pantry, and humming a tune as she worked. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a batch of the most delicious looking lemon bars I had ever seen.

As Martha worked, she shared the story of how she had discovered the recipe. It had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned to make them from a neighbor back in the 1920s. The recipe had since been a cherished family tradition, and Martha had perfected it over the years.

I begged Martha to teach me how to make the lemon bars, and she happily obliged. She walked me through each step, from mixing the buttery shortbread crust to zesting the fresh lemons for the tangy filling. As the bars baked in the oven, Martha and I sat at her kitchen table, sipping tea and sharing stories of our families and the recipes that had been passed down through generations.

When the timer finally dinged, we eagerly pulled the pan of lemon bars from the oven. The sweet aroma of buttery crust and tart lemon wafted through the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. Martha carefully cut the bars into squares, and we each took a bite.

The flavor exploded in my mouth – the buttery crust crumbled perfectly against the creamy, tangy lemon filling. It was a symphony of flavors, and I knew I had to learn how to make these lemon bars for myself.

Over the years, I made the lemon bars countless times, perfecting the recipe and tweaking it to suit my own tastes. I added a touch of vanilla to the crust, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a little extra sweetness. Each time I made them, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon in Martha's kitchen, and the joy of learning a new recipe from a dear friend.

As I continued to bake and cook, I collected recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe had a story behind it – a memory of a special occasion, a beloved grandmother, or a cherished tradition. I treasured each one, adding them to my collection and sharing them with my own children and grandchildren.

The lemon bars became a staple in our family, a dessert that was requested at every special occasion and holiday. I taught my daughters how to make them, passing down the recipe and the stories that came with it. We baked together in the kitchen, laughing and sharing stories just as Martha and I had all those years ago.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of baking and the memories of years gone by, I can't help but smile. The recipe for lemon bars may have come to me from Martha, but it is now a part of my own story – a thread that connects me to my past and to the generations that came before me.

And so, I continue to bake and cook, sharing my recipes and stories with anyone who will listen. Because to me, food is more than just sustenance – it is a way to connect with others, to share love and memories, and to keep the traditions of the past alive. And that, to me, is the true beauty of cooking.