Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound dried apricots
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Glass jars with lids for storing
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the dried apricots and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the apricots are soft and plump.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer the apricots and any remaining liquid to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
3. Return the apricot puree to the saucepan and add the sugar, almond meal, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens and becomes a spreadable consistency.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the lekvar cool to room temperature.
6. Transfer the lekvar to glass jars with lids and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for boiling apricots
- Medium heat for cooking lekvar
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of lekvar
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 60 per tablespoon
- Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 14 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 12 grams
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried apricots can be substituted with other dried fruits such as prunes or dates.
- Almond meal can be substituted with ground almonds or other nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
Variations:
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
- Substitute the cinnamon with cardamom or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the lekvar constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
- Lekvar can be used as a spread on toast, crackers, or as a filling for pastries.
Storage instructions:
- Store the lekvar in glass jars with lids in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
- Lekvar does not need to be reheated before using.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lekvar in a small dish with a spoon for spreading.
- Use a piping bag to fill pastries or cupcakes with the lekvar.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios on top of the lekvar for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve the lekvar with cheese and crackers for a savory-sweet appetizer.
- Spread the lekvar on toast or bagels for breakfast.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the lekvar with fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lekvar is too thick, add a splash of water or orange juice to thin it out.
- If the lekvar is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store the lekvar in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
- Lekvar is a traditional Hungarian fruit spread made from dried fruits such as apricots or prunes.
Flavor profiles:
- The lekvar has a sweet and fruity flavor with a hint of almond and cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lekvar as a spread on toast, crackers, or as a filling for pastries.
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