I have years of experience cooking Mediterranean cuisine at home. In fact, many of these Middle Eastern sauces and dressings are a frequent feature in my household. Among my family’s favorites is Latholemono sauce, sometimes called “ladolemono.” It’s my favorite for its simplicity and powerful flavor.
The combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and oregano, which brings out its distinctive aroma, creates a rich sauce that can enhance the flavor of many other dishes. [Saurce]
What is Latholemono?
Latholemono Sauce comes from the Greek: lado, meaning oil, and lemono, meaning “lemon oil” or “lemony olive oil.” It’s a simple yet elegant sauce and is often added to many Greek dishes as a dressing, marinade, or dip.
Benefits of Ladolemono Sauce
There are many benefits to adding this sauce to various dishes, including:
- Clean, preservative-free: The ingredients used are all-natural, like olive oil, oregano, and lemon.
- Ladolemono sauce is a versatile sauce. You can use it in many dishes, such as grilled fish, baked fish, roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, salads, and even as an accompaniment to toast.
- It’s easy and quick to prepare, taking only 5 minutes to mix, and can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator.
Ladolemono Recipe and Steps
This recipe makes about ½–1 cup of sauce:
- ½ cup (120 ml) high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 1–2 lemons), do not substitute bottled juice. [food.com]
- 1 tsp dried oregano (Greek is more authentic)
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1–2 cloves minced garlic, fresh herbs (parsley, dill), or lemon zest for extra flavor
How to Make:
- Prepare a small bowl and an airtight jar.
- Add the olive oil, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice.
- Add the oregano, pepper, salt, and optional ingredients, if desired.
- Stir and shake quickly until everything is well combined; alternatively, you can shake the jar if desired.
- Cover the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- When ready to use, stir again, as the oil and lemon juice separate during storage.
Variations and Expert Tips
- Dried oregano provides a distinctive Greek aroma; if you prefer a brighter flavor, use fresh oregano instead.
- Grated lemon zest can add an intense, refreshing fragrance.
- For a flavor twist, try mixing in honey, mustard, or capers. This rich combination of flavors makes a balanced, sweet-sour vinaigrette.
- For best results, use high-quality olive oil; this is the finishing dressing, so use premium oil for satisfying results.
- To emulsify, whisk the oil and lemon vigorously; this will create a smooth final texture.
How to Use Ladolemono Sauce
- Using it on grilled fish: Brush the sauce over fish like swordfish or tuna after grilling, or serve it as a dipping sauce.
- Using it on grilled or steamed vegetables: Scoop the sauce over grilled asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potato fries for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.
- Using it on Greek salad or toast: You can make it as a dressing or use it as a topping on warm pita bread. This sauce is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with other dishes.
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FAQ about Ladolemono Sauce
1. What is Ladolemono Sauce?
It is a traditional Greek sauce made from a mixture of high-quality olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, pepper, and salt.
2. What is the difference between Ladolemono and a regular vinaigrette?
Ladolemono uses a unique ratio of lemon juice to olive oil and Greek oregano. This combination creates a fresh and aromatic flavor compared to standard vinaigrettes, which typically use vinegar.
3. What are the essential ingredients?
The essential ingredients for Ladolemono sauce are high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano. While salt and pepper are used only for flavor, garlic or fresh herbs are also additional ingredients.
4. Can you use oils other than olive oil?
No, the character of this sauce depends heavily on the olive oil. Using other oils will alter its aroma and characteristics, making it no longer considered Ladolemono Sauce.
5. Can bottled lemons be used?
No, you must use fresh lemon juice, not bottled lemon juice, as fresh juice will provide a natural brightness to the flavor. Bottled lemons tend to be bitter or bland due to the preservation process.
6. How to store Ladolemono?
Ladolemono Sauce should be stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. It will last between 5 and 7 days. Shake and stir again before use, as the olive oil and lemon separate during storage.
