When a recipe calls for lemon juice, most home cooks instinctively squeeze the fruit and discard the peel without considering its potential. However, a simple yet ingenious technique can transform that often-wasted citrus skin into a vibrant, flavour-packed seasoning that works wonders with classic herby roast potatoes.
The 'Genius' Hack That Maximises Every Lemon
Food writer and recipe developer Melissa Thompson has shared her clever culinary tip on social media, demonstrating how to cut down on unnecessary food waste while creating a delicious, zingy condiment. Her method involves repurposing lemon zest that would typically end up in the bin.
How to Create the Zesty Seasoning Powder
In an instructional video, Melissa explained the straightforward process. "If you're using a recipe that requires lemon juice, zest your lemons first and either freeze the zest or leave it on a plate overnight to dry," she advised. "It turns crunchy and completely dry, but it retains a lot of that beautiful lemon fragrance."
Once the lemon zest has thoroughly dried, it should be ground together with black pepper and oregano until a fine powder forms. Melissa recommends this versatile seasoning for sprinkling over various dishes, from pork and chicken to fish, though it particularly shines when paired with roast potatoes.
Recipe for Herby Potatoes with Lemon Seasoning
Melissa has provided her complete recipe for creating flavourful herby potatoes using this innovative lemon peel seasoning. The method combines traditional roasting techniques with her zesty twist.
Ingredients Required
- Potatoes
- Lemon seasoning (dried lemon zest, black pepper and oregano)
- Feta cheese
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Method
- Begin by cutting your potatoes into chunks, then par-boil them in salted water.
- While the potatoes are par-boiling, heat some oil in a roasting tin.
- Once the spuds are par-boiled, tip them into the hot oil and roast in the oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, until they become lovely and crispy.
- Transfer the potatoes onto kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil, then move them into a fresh tray.
- Scatter over the homemade lemon seasoning, adding salt to taste if needed.
- Finally, dish up the potatoes and sprinkle over some crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavour.
This approach not only delivers exceptionally flavourful roast potatoes but also promotes sustainable kitchen practices by utilising every part of the lemon. The dried lemon zest retains its vibrant citrus aroma, creating a seasoning that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable side dish.
