Preserved lemons


Preserved lemons
For this recipe, the lemons are sliced first (this makes them easier to use later), then salted to drain off the juice before being bottled in herb-flavoured olive oil.

These preserved lemons can be used in all sorts of dishes, especially with fish and poultry.
140 K 4.3/5 (20 reviews)
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Last modified on: December 2nd 2012
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For 1 jar, you will need:

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Times for this recipe
Preparation: 12 hours 40 min.
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Step by step recipe


Stage 1 - ⌛ 5 min.
Preserved lemons : Stage 1
Wash 1 kg lemon.

As the peel will be left on, it is important to use organic lemons, or to scrub each lemon thoroughly at least.

Stage 2 - ⌛ 8 min.
Preserved lemons : Stage 2
Trim off both ends of each lemon, then slice them. Use a mandolin if you have one; it's ideal for this job.

Stage 3 - ⌛ 10 min.
Preserved lemons : Stage 3
Spread a fine layer of coarse salt in a large dish, lay lemon slices flat in the bottom, then scatter more salt over.

Stage 4 - ⌛ 12 hours
Preserved lemons : Stage 4
Continue like this with all the lemons.

Cover with plastic film and refrigerate overnight.

Stage 5
Preserved lemons : Stage 5
The next day you will see that the lemons have given off juice, but that the salt has not completely dissolved.

Stage 6 - ⌛ 5 min.
Preserved lemons : Stage 6
Remove the remaining salt from each lemon slice with a brush...

Stage 7 - ⌛ 5 min.
Preserved lemons : Stage 7
...and pack them into a jar.

Slip sprigs of your chosen herbs and peppercorns in between the slices as you go.

Stage 8 - ⌛ 3 min.
Preserved lemons : Stage 8
Cover completely with olive oil.

Stage 9
Preserved lemons : Stage 9
Seal the jar and leave for 3 months.

Stage 10
Preserved lemons : Stage 10
After this, the lemons will be preserved by the oil and you can begin to use them as and when you need.

Stage 11
Preserved lemons : Stage 11
It is worth noting that the oil in the jar will take on the flavour and you can use this as well. For example, it makes an amazing french dressing (vinaigrette)
Remarks
You can use any herbs you like or have to hand. Similarly, the quantities of salt and oil are simply for guidance. If you take out some of the oil, be sure not to leave the lemons in the jar uncovered, or they will turn mouldy.

You can scald the herbs before using them, as in the herb olive oil recipe.
Keeping: Several months.
Source: Home made.
Nutritional information
Proteins (gr)Carbohydrates (gr)Fats (gr)Energy value (in k-calories)Energy value (in k-joules)
Whole recipe10 RDI=4 %90 RDI=8 %500 RDI=80 %4,900 RDI=250 %20,520 RDI: 250 %
Per 100 g05 RDI=0 %30 RDI=4 %290 RDI=10 %1,200 RDI: 10 %
The % figures are calculated in relation to the Recommended Dietary Intake , or RDI of 2,000 k-calories (or 8,400 k-joules) per day for a woman
How much will it cost?
  • For 1 jar : 5.85 €

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Note: Be careful, these prices are only an estimate, you can consult the table of prices by ingredients used for this estimate.
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The 1 comment already posted on this recipe
  • I would love to try making these, jh. They would make great gifts too! Thanks for sharing...I'm going on holiday to visit my daughter for the holidays. Just in case I don't "see" you before then, Merry Christmas to you and yours!!! Louise
    Posted by Louise december 4th 2012 at 20:45 n° 1

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