Lingonberries, also known as cowberries, are a small red berry native to the boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. These tart berries have a unique flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. Here are five creative ways to incorporate lingonberries into your cooking:
Cooking with Lingonberries
Lingonberry Jam: The most traditional way to use lingonberries is to make a jam. Simply simmer the berries with sugar and a little bit of water, then strain and jar the mixture. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast or waffles, or as a topping for ice cream.
Lingonberries Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh lingonberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions:
- Rinse the lingonberries and remove any stems or leaves.
- In a large saucepan, combine the lingonberries, sugar, and water.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the lingonberries have released their juices.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Transfer the jam to sterilized jars and let cool to room temperature.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Enjoy your delicious lingonberry jam on toast, pancakes, or with savory dishes like meatballs!
Lingonberry Sauce: Another popular way to use lingonberries is to make a sauce. This can be done by simmering the berries with sugar and a little bit of water, then pureeing the mixture. This sauce is perfect for serving with meat dishes, such as pork or beef.
Lingonberry Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lingonberries, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions:
- Rinse the lingonberries and remove any stems or leaves. If using frozen berries, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the lingonberries, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the lingonberry mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce and discard it.
- Serve the lingonberry sauce warm or cold, as a topping for meats, pancakes, or desserts. You can store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Lingonberry Vinaigrette: To add a unique twist to your salad dressing, try incorporating lingonberries into your vinaigrette. Simply blend lingonberries, olive oil, and a little bit of vinegar to make a delicious and tangy dressing.
Lingonberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup lingonberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by rinsing the lingonberries and removing any stems or leaves.
- In a small saucepan, heat the lingonberries over medium heat until they start to break down and release their juices. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Once the lingonberries have cooked down, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey until well combined.
- Add the cooled lingonberries to the bowl and whisk everything together until the vinaigrette is smooth and well-mixed.
- Taste the vinaigrette and add salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve the lingonberry vinaigrette over your favorite salad or use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Note: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also blend the cooked lingonberries in a food processor or blender before adding them to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
Lingonberry Sorbet: If you’re looking for a refreshing dessert, try making a sorbet with lingonberries. Simply puree the berries with sugar and a little bit of water, then freeze the mixture. This sorbet is perfect for a summer treat, and it’s also a great way to use up any extra lingonberries.
Lingonberry Sorbet Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups lingonberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Rinse the lingonberries and remove any stems or leaves.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the lingonberries to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the berries have softened.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the lingonberry mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
- Add the lemon juice to the puree and stir to combine.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s completely cooled.
- Pour the chilled lingonberry mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Note: If you prefer a sweeter sorbet, you can add more sugar to taste. You can also substitute honey or agave syrup for the granulated sugar, although this may affect the texture of the sorbet. Enjoy!
Lingonberry Cocktail: Add a unique twist to your cocktail by incorporating lingonberries into it. Try muddling the berries with a little bit of sugar and a splash of vodka or gin. This can be a great way to use lingonberries in a drink, and it’s also a great conversation starter at a party.
Lingonberry Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lingonberries
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 ounces vodka or gin
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (optional)
- Club soda
- Ice
- Fresh lingonberries and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh lingonberries and sugar together until the berries are broken down and the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the vodka or gin, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using) to the cocktail shaker and fill with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Top off the glass with club soda.
- Garnish with fresh lingonberries and a lime wedge.
Enjoy your delicious lingonberry cocktail!
In summary, lingonberries are a versatile and delicious berry that can be used in a variety of dishes. From jams and sauces to vinaigrettes, sorbets, and cocktails, there are many ways to incorporate lingonberries into your cooking.
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