Skip to main content

Green Walnut Preserve

A delicacy which should be attempted whenever green walnuts are available.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh shelled green walnuts
2 1/4 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 or 5 cloves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Shell the walnuts carefully, trying not to break them. Soak them in cold water for 5 or 6 days, changing the water twice a day to remove any bitterness.

    Step 2

    Make a syrup by boiling the sugar and water with lemon juice until thickened enough to fall in heavy drops from a spoon. Let the syrup cool, then add the well-drained walnuts. Bring to the boil gently and simmer for 1/2 hour. Remove the pan from the heat and leave the walnuts submerged in the syrup overnight at room temperature.

    Step 3

    The following day, add the cloves, bring to the boil again, and simmer for 1/2 hour. Pour the walnuts and syrup into a clean glass jar, allow to cool, and close tightly.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.