| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 0g | 0g | 82g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 72g | 1g | 1g | 0g |
Picture it: a warm spring day in the Rockies with an apron tied around your waist, gently poaching the sun-kissed Daylilies you’ve just pulled from your garden. Today, we’re making Poached Daylilies with Lemon and Honey Glaze, a recipe inspired by the simplistic grandeur of nature, rendered beautifully into a dish that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
A Taste of Spring – Poaching Daylilies
Transforming the humble daylily into a sumptuous dish always brings me back to the basics of foraging and reconnecting with the land around us, something I learned during my childhood in Colorado. There’s something about the delicate sweetness of the poached daylilies, the tangy contrast of lemon, and the comforting honey glaze that speaks the language of springtime mountains.
Though it draws similarities to custard-based floral desserts, like elderflower cream or lavender panna cotta, Poached Daylilies with Lemon and Honey Glaze has a unique charm that sets it apart.
Health, Flavor, and Nature in Harmony
But there’s more to this recipe than the exceptional flavor experience. Daylilies, apart from their beauty, are a rich source of vitamins A and C, contributing to a healthy immune system. They’re also a perfect low-calorie ingredient to include in your meals. And let’s not forget the wonderful health benefits of honey—the natural sweetener known for its antioxidants and potential to soothe coughs. Plus, it contributes that golden finish we all love in a dessert.
This splendid dish pairs perfectly with a simple arugula salad, garnished with fresh berries and soft goat cheese. Or you might serve it alongside lemon-ricotta pancakes for a late Sunday brunch. Either way, it promises a delightful and healthful culinary moment.
So here’s to tasting nature, quite literally, and savoring the season, one poached daylily at a time. From my kitchen in the heart of the Rockies to yours, I hope you’ll find the same joy in this recipe that I do.
What You’ll Need
- 24 Daylily flowers
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 8 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, strained
- 1/2 cup of honey
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the daylilies. Gently rinse the flowers under cool running water to remove any debris. Carefully pat them dry, set aside.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to simmer and create a simple syrup.
Step Three
Once the sugar is dissolved, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Add the clean daylilies to the syrup. Allow them to poach gently in the syrup for about 20-30 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
Step Four
While the daylilies are simmering, prepare the lemon and honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, honey, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until the honey is fully dissolved. Keep the glaze warm.
Step Five
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the daylilies from the poaching syrup. Place them on a serving platter.
Step Six
Drizzle the warm lemon and honey glaze over the poached daylilies. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Poached Daylilies with Lemon and Honey Glaze. They can be served as a unique dessert or a sweet accompaniment to any meal.
