Preserved Lemons Recipe 🍋
Description:
Preserved Lemons are a delightful addition to various dishes, offering a burst of tangy flavor with a hint of spice. Originating from Moroccan cuisine, this recipe has found its way into various culinary traditions across Africa and Europe. These preserved lemons are not only delicious but also low in protein and cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for your meals. They’re perfect for weeknight cooking adventures or adding a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
Ingredients:
- 5 lemons
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
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Prepare the Lemons: Start by quartering each lemon from the top, cutting down to about half an inch from the bottom, creating four attached segments.
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Season the Lemons: Sprinkle salt generously on the exposed flesh of the lemons. Gently reshape the fruit to its original shape to allow the salt to penetrate evenly.
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Layer in the Jar: Take a sterilized one-pint mason jar and place 1 tablespoon of salt at the bottom. Begin packing the salted lemons into the jar, pressing them down firmly with each addition. As you layer the lemons, intersperse them with the cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, and bay leaves.
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Add Lemon Juice: Once the jar is filled with lemons and spices, pour fresh lemon juice over the top, ensuring that the lemons are completely covered. Leave some space at the top of the jar to prevent overflow.
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Seal and Shake: Place a sterile lid on the jar and tighten it securely. Give the jar a good shake to distribute the salt, spices, and lemon juice evenly among the lemons.
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Daily Shake: For the next 30 days, shake the jar once every day to help the flavors meld and the lemons preserve properly.
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Ready to Use: After 30 days of preservation, your lemons are ready to use. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. When you’re ready to use them in your recipes, rinse the preserved lemons to remove any excess salt and brine.
Note: If you notice a “lacy” white substance clinging to the lemons during the preservation process, don’t worry; it’s a natural occurrence and not harmful. Simply rinse the lemons before use to ensure the best flavor.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 16.8 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5659.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 5.4g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 1.4g
- Protein Content: 0.6g
Preserved lemons are a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes, from salads and tagines to sauces and marinades. Their intense citrus flavor adds brightness and complexity, while the hint of spice enhances savory and sweet recipes alike. Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with these preserved lemons to discover new flavor combinations and culinary delights! 🍽️✨
