affir lime [Citrus hystrix, C. papedia] leaves come from the Kaffir lime tree, a lime tree native to Indonesia. The leaves are highly aromatic and suitable for various Asian cuisines, including thai, Indonesian, Cambodian and Lao cuisines. They are easily recognisable by their emerald-green, doubled sections, which makes them appear as if two leaves are joined together. This article explains ways to use the Kaffir lime leaf.
StepsObtain kaffir lime leaves. If you live in a suitable climate, you may be able to grow your own kaffir lime tree. If not, they can be obtained in both a fresh and a dried form from Asian grocery stores and specialty grocery stores in many countries.
Understand the finer points of kaffir lime leaves usage in cuisine. Kaffir lime leaves may be used fresh or dried, depending on the recipe or usage in question. Some important pointers to consider include:
Use in cuisine. Kaffir lime leaves are perfect for adding flavour to Asian cuisine. They are highly aromatic and add their own elegant flavour to stir-fry, curry, salad and fish cake dishes. Some examples for use include:
Bruise a few leaves and add to an outdoor citrus-scented potpourri. The scent will linger in the evening air when eating outdoors.
Freshen up. Use a bruised kaffir lime leaf to rub over your hands. This will freshen them and impart a delicious scent to your skin. Naturally, test a small area of skin for reactions before using this treat regularly.
Lemon or lime zest can be used as a substitute for kaffir lime leaves in cooking.
Kaffir lime zest or bay leaves can be used as substitutes for lime leaves in a recipe.
A suitable substitute for kaffir lime leaves in recipes that require their unique flavor profile is lime zest or lemongrass. These ingredients can provide a similar citrusy and aromatic taste to your dish.
A suitable substitute for kaffir lime in recipes that require its unique flavor profile is a combination of regular lime zest and leaves from the makrut lime tree.
Kaffir Lime Leaves A key Thai food ingredient, Kaffir lime leaves can be used fresh or dried, and can be frozen for storage.
Some popular dishes that can be enhanced with the unique flavor of kaffir leaves include Thai curries, soups, stir-fries, and salads. The leaves add a citrusy and aromatic taste to these dishes.
The number of kaffir lime leaves in a gram can vary based on the size and moisture content of the leaves. On average, a single fresh kaffir lime leaf weighs around 1-2 grams, so you would typically have about half to one leaf per gram. Dried leaves are lighter, and you might get more than one leaf per gram depending on their size. For precise measurements, it's best to weigh the leaves directly.
Basil leaves can be used as a substitute for shiso leaves in a recipe.
You can buy kaffir lime leaves in South Africa at specialty grocery stores, Asian markets, or online grocery stores that cater to Asian ingredients. Additionally, some local farmers' markets may also carry kaffir lime leaves or be able to source them for you.
its called Malta in Hindi.... used in spices n soups :)
My parents had a kaffir lime tree when I was a child in Nueva Ecija and my Mom called it "tibulid" --the fruits are inedible but she used the "juice" and zest for our bath water; the leaves for cooking leche flan. :) It took me a while to remember the name "tibulid" (tee-booleed) Thanks.
Parsley is a good substitute for cilantro leaves in a recipe.