Citrus trees are very abundant in Lebanon. Especially the region where my mother grew up, North Lebanon. During my last visit I especially noticed the abundance of citrus throughout my mother's village. Lemons are used in almost all Lebanese cusine. This includes soups, salads, main dishes, and desserts. In todays recipe I will be teaching you how to make lemon bars. This recipe is inspired by https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/luscious-lemon-squares.html.
Ingredients:
Crust
1 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of cornstarch
1 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup of confectioners sugar
1 cup of cold unsalted butter (2 sticks cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Lemon Custard
6 lemons juiced and zested
- approximately 2/3 cup of lemon juice
- approximately 2 tablespoons of lemon zest
6 large eggs
3 cups of granulated sugar
2/3 cup of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F and cover a 9x13-in metal baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil (regular aluminum foil may stick).
Cover the bottom of the pan completely with foil (use two pieces if necessary, this will help with the removal).
Spray the foiled pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Place flour, corn starch, salt and confectioners' sugar in the food processor and mix.
Add the butter and mix until it resembles coarse meal (10 to 15 seconds).
Spread the crust into the pan and spread to create an even layer. Spread to the edges of the pan to create sides for the bars ( 3/4-inch edges) .
Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
Lemon Custard
Whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and flour in a large bowl (make sure no lumps of flour remain).
After the crust is finished mix the lemon mixture a stir and pour on top.
Immediately place the pan back in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes (until the topping is set and firm).
Allow the bars to cool outside the oven.
Once they reach room temperature use the foil overhang to lift it out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Remove foil from edges of the crust using. Using a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares.
Dust the bars with Confectioners' sugar this will give them a nice appeal. My favorite way to serve them is with a cup of tea after they have been chilled overnight. Enjoy!
As we say in Lebanon #sahten wo alf hana.