Name: Sinful Bone Marrow with Preserved Lemon Basil Sauce
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H20M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M1DT0H30M0.000S
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lemon (or 6 to 8 ounces jarred preserved lemon); 1 1/4 cups kosher salt; 2 pieces star anise; 1 cup fresh basil; 1 cup olive oil; 10 to 12 bone marrow canoes (discs also work); 1 tablespoon ground white pepper; 1/2 cup Chinese black vinegar; 2 tablespoons flaky salt, preferably Maldon; Grilled sourdough bread, for serving

Directions

Slice 1 lemon into quarters. Place in a medium container and mix in 1/4 cup kosher salt. Add the star anise, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. (Note: You can skip this step by purchasing preserved lemons from your local grocery store.)
Add 2 pieces preserved lemon to a blender with the basil and olive oil. Blend together until it has a sauce consistency, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in a small bowl and set aside. (Save the remaining preserved lemon for another use.)
Pour 1 gallon water into a large container or bowl. Add the remaining cup kosher salt and whisk until the salt dissolves. Put the bone marrow canoes in the saltwater brine, ensuring that the bones are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Heat a grill or oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the bone marrow canoes from the saltwater brine and pat dry. Place the bone marrow canoes on the grill, then sprinkle with the white pepper. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Using tongs, remove the bones and place on individual plates, about 2 bone marrow canoes per serving. Lightly brush each canoe with the Chinese black vinegar and sprinkle with the flaky salt. Serve with small sauce ramekins filled with the preserved lemon basil sauce. Enjoy with grilled sourdough bread (or your choice of bread).

Cook’s Note

Use a small spoon to scoop out the marrow from the bone and spread it on sourdough like butter. Top with the preserved lemon basil sauce for best flavor. Buying jarred preserved lemon from the grocery store will save a significant amount of prep time.