A brief look into this Thai ingredient.
I've been really loving Thai food lately. There are many different ingredients and flavors present that you don't often find in American cuisine. One spice, in particular, I was interested in learning more about is kaffir lime leaves. While I have not had the pleasure of enjoying this spice myself, I hope to sometime soon. Let's take a look at what exactly kaffir lime leaves are and how they are used!
What Are Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Kaffir lime leaves are extremely popular in Thailand, as they are native to Southeast Asia. The limes themselves are a bit different than an ordinary lime. They are very bitter and are actually commonly used in cleaning products. The limes can be used in curries to create a greater depth of flavor. They also have bumpy skin on them, which reminds me of those warty pumpkins. The leaves are often cooked or thinly sliced, and eaten. These leaves have an hourglass shape and there are two connected leaves, called "double leaves," at the end of each plant's stem. The leaves are thick and they are dark green colored and shiny on the top side. The bottoms of the leaves are porous and light-colored.
The leaves have a very strong, citrusy, and sour flavor. It is more complex, however, as it has an undertone that has a floral taste. The flavor is rather unique, but you can think of it as a mashup of lime, lemon, and mandarin. The zesty citrus scent will often be the first thing you notice when you enjoy a dish that features this ingredient.
How to Use Them
When cooking with kaffir lime leaves, you will want to practice moderation because of their potency. You will also want to make sure to remove the stem if you decide to chop up the leaves. The texture can be difficult to chew, so you will not want to serve the leaves whole if you intend on actually eating the leaf. In cases where the leaf is served whole, such as curries or soups, the leaf itself is not likely eaten, but rather infuses the dish with the aroma and flavor. The leaf is typically only eaten if it is thinly sliced. In order to slice the leaves, roll them up and use a sharp knife. You can also create a paste with the leaves by putting them into a food processor with other ingredients such as soup paste.
Where Can I Find Kaffir Lime Leaves?
If you don't live in Thailand, you probably won't find these at your regular grocery store. Instead, you will want to check out a local Asian grocer. You can find the leaves either fresh or frozen. Because they are used in Thai cooking, you will also often find them present in food from Thai restaurants. Daughter Thai, for example, is a spot here in Denver that has multiple dishes that utilize kaffir lime leaves, such as their Beef Panang Curry with Jasmin Rice.
