My Best Preserved Lemons
Transform your cooking with "My Best Preserved Lemons," a simple yet transformative recipe that brings bold, tangy flavor to your favorite dishes. With just four ingredients—organic lemons, coarse sea salt, fresh lemon juice, and a sterilized jar—this easy 15-minute preparation unlocks the magic of citrus preservation. The lemons are salted and packed with their juices, creating a bright, briny condiment that deepens in flavor over a four-week curing process. Perfect for tagines, roasted vegetables, dressings, or marinades, these deliciously soft, aromatic preserved lemons are a must-have in your pantry. Elevate your culinary repertoire with this time-tested, Mediterranean-inspired staple!
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Ingredients
- 5 whole organic lemons
- 5 tablespoons coarse sea salt
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 piece sterilized jar with tight lid
Directions
Step 1
Scrub the lemons thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or wax. Dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2
Slice each lemon lengthwise into quarters, but stop short of cutting all the way through the base. This should create a flower-like opening, keeping the lemons intact at the bottom.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt into the cavity of each lemon. Press the quarters back together gently to hold the salt inside.
Step 4
Place one salted lemon at a time into the sterilized jar. As you add each lemon, press it down firmly to release some of its juice. Continue layering salted lemons until the jar is full, leaving a bit of headspace at the top.
Step 5
Pour fresh lemon juice into the jar to completely cover the lemons. Ensure no lemon is exposed above the juice to avoid spoilage.
Step 6
Seal the jar tightly with its lid and store in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar gently once a day for the first week to redistribute the salt.
Step 7
Let the lemons preserve for at least 4 weeks before using. The rinds will become soft, and the flavor will deepen over time. Store the jar in the refrigerator after opening.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 705 grams (705.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 137 |
| Total Fat 1.40g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat 0.20g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 29108mg | 1266% |
| Total Carbohydrate 43.60g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.80g | 31% |
| Total Sugars 13.30g | |
| Protein 4.00g | 8% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 90mg | 7% |
| Iron 2mg | 11% |
| Potassium 647mg | 14% |
Source of Calories