Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups beach plums, washed and pitted
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the beach plums, water, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the beach plums have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on the solids with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible.
7. Discard the solids and transfer the sauce to a jar or container.
8. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a boil
- Low heat to simmer the mixture
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of sauce
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 70
- Total fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If beach plums are not available, you can use other tart fruits such as cranberries or sour cherries.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spice flavor.
- Use lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
- Add a splash of rum or brandy for a boozy twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to wash and pit the beach plums before using them in the recipe.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids and achieve a smooth texture.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't worry if it seems too thin at first.
Storage instructions:
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the sauce, microwave it for 15-30 seconds or heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle the sauce over ice cream or yogurt for a sweet treat.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as mint or basil over the sauce for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
- This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
- It also goes well with roasted vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the sauce alongside a simple green salad or a grain such as quinoa or brown rice.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or lemon juice.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing the sauce.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Beach plums are a native fruit to the Northeastern United States and have been used by Native Americans for centuries.
- They are a small, tart fruit that grows on low bushes near the coast.
Flavor profiles:
- Beach plum sauce is sweet and tart with a bright citrus flavor from the lemon juice and zest.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
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