Best 5 Preserved Lemons Middle Eastern Style Recipes
Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant Middle East and discover the art of preserving lemons, a technique that transforms ordinary citrus into a delightful and versatile ingredient. From the bustling souks of Morocco to the fragrant kitchens of Lebanon, preserved lemons add a unique piquancy and depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes, from savory tagines and stews to refreshing salads and desserts. Explore the secrets of selecting the perfect lemons, the careful process of preserving them in a brine of salt and lemon juice, and the myriad ways to incorporate their distinctive taste into your cooking.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
PRESERVED LEMONS RECIPE
Homemade preserved lemons will take 20 minutes of active work time and about 1 month of pickling time in the fridge. You can use them to add brightness, tang, and flavor to everything from your lunch sandwiches to stews, tagines, and may other Mediterranean dinners you make! Check out the full post for tips.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Condiment
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cut about 1/4 -inch of the top and bottom of the lemons. Cut each lemon into quarters part-way through so that they remain connected at the bottom
- Transfer the lemons to a large bowl and toss well with the salt and sugar. Open up the lemons some and stuff them with the kosher salt and sugar mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight and up to 24 hours, the lemons will release some juice.
- The next day, transfer the lemons and their juices to a large sterilized canning jar. Press them down firmly into the jar. Add the pepper corns and bay leaves. Top with fresh lemon juice (your goal is to submerge the lemons in the juice).
- Seal the jar shut and store in the fridge for 3 weeks to 1 month before consuming.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 31.4 kcal, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Protein 0.8 g, Sodium 3538.3 mg, Fiber 1.9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
PRESERVED LEMONS MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE
This is Stephanie Alexander's recipe and it's one of the simplest I've seen. I have 2 jars on top of my fridge and they look great as well as adding an incredible depth of citrus flavour to foods. Let the lemons mature for at least 4 weeks before using, and the final result keeps a whole year without refrigerating, so get your old empty jars out!
Provided by Aunty Dotty
Categories Lemon
Time 15m
Yield 1 Jar
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Scatter a spoonful of salt into a 1 litre sterilised jar.
- Tip lemons into a wide tub with the rest of the salt and and mix and massage vigorously.
- Pack the lemons into the jar, cut side to the middle, inserting pieces of bay leaf, cloves and bits of the cinnamon every so often.
- Tip all the salt left in tub over lemons and press down as hard as you can to squeeze the juice out of the quarters.
- Cover with extra juice if you need to ( any exposed lemon may develop a harmless white mould. It's safe but just doesn't look pretty.).
- Wipe the neck of the jar with a clean cloth dipped in boiling water and cap tightly. You're done!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 168.4, Fat 1.8, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 96916.3, Carbohydrate 54.1, Fiber 16.3, Sugar 14.5, Protein 6.4
SALTED PRESERVED LEMONS
This is a Moroccan recipe.
Provided by Jamie Oliver
Categories condiment
Time P4DT3h15m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a bowl mix the spices into the sea salt. Cut a cross into the lemons -- almost to the base, but so that the quarters stay together. Push the seasoned salt into the lemon segments and pack the lemons as tightly as possible into an airtight jar. The less space there is between the lemons the more attractive it will look and you won't need to use so much salt. The lemons will be ready after one month of preserving, and will last for about 2 years. Tips:The peel is edible This also works very well with limes You could preserve oranges like this too -- but there are not so many recipes which use them You must use sea salt not table salt -- table salt is too chemical and harsh
- Uses:For seasoning rice and couscous -- it works like salt and makes the rice and couscous lemon scented Put chicken/fish into a foil bag and bake with the lemon salt Use to season stews and soups ;
PRESERVED LEMONS
Preserved lemons are a popular ingredient for Middle Eastern recipes. I saw this recipe on SBS's Food Safari. It appeared in the Moroccan episode and the chef's name is Malika Ennaim. This recipe is perfect when lemons are in season Try picking unblemished fruit for best results. You could use as many lemons as you wish, however the equation will always be two teaspoons per cut lemon (as per Step 1), Step 2 will always be the same (juice of one lemon, four teaspoons of sea salt and warm water to cover lemons). Lemons will be ready in 40 days.
Provided by Chef floWer
Categories Lemon
Time 15m
Yield 10 Preserved lemons
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Wash and dry lemons. Cut each lemon into quarters, do not cut all the way through so that the lemon is still intact and joined together at the base.
- Spoon about two teaspoons of sea salt into each cut lemon and place the lemon into a sterile glass jar, packing them in tightly. Repeat step until all your lemons you want to preserve have finished.
- Add juice of one lemon and four teaspoons of sea salt into the jar. Cover lemons with warm water.
- Seal jar and leave in a cool dark place for 40 days and nights. (You can leave them longer than 40 days if you wish) do not refrigerate until opening.
- Enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 17.9, Fat 0.2, Sodium 5582.4, Carbohydrate 5.7, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1.6, Protein 0.7
QUICK PRESERVED LEMONS
This secret weapon for authentic Middle Eastern fare usually takes weeks to make, but if you use finely sliced thin-skinned Meyer lemons, you can re-create the unique flavor and texture overnight. Finely chop and add to vinaigrettes, tagines, and marinades.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Time 12h10m
Yield Makes about 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Wash lemons in hot water (to remove any waxy coating); halve them lengthwise and slice very thinly crosswise. Combine with salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand at room temperature 1 day, then transfer to a jar and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Choose unwaxed, unblemished lemons for preserving. This will ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Use a sharp knife to make a deep incision in each lemon. This will help the salt and spices penetrate the fruit.
- Pack the lemons tightly in a jar, alternating layers of lemons with salt and spices. This will help to keep the lemons submerged in the brine.
- Cover the jar with a lid and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 4 weeks. The longer you store the lemons, the more flavorful they will become.
- Once the lemons are preserved, they can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, tagines, and stews. They can also be used to make preserved lemon paste, which is a delicious condiment.
Conclusion:
Preserved lemons are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a great way to add a pop of brightness and acidity to your cooking. With a little planning, you can easily make your own preserved lemons at home. So next time you're looking for a new way to add flavor to your dishes, give preserved lemons a try!
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