Quick As a Wink Preserving Lemons
Brighten your pantry with the vibrant tang of "Quick As a Wink Preserving Lemons," a speedy, foolproof method to create a condiment that infuses your dishes with bold Mediterranean flavor. Using just 6 juicy lemons, coarse sea salt, and optional aromatic spices like bay leaf or cinnamon, this no-cook recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare and transforms ordinary citrus into a goldmine of savory-sweet flavor. Perfectly suited for tagines, salads, marinades, or seafood, these preserved lemons boast versatility and a shelf life of up to six months when stored properly. With step-by-step guidance and minimal effort, this recipe ensures your lemons are bursting with briny, sun-kissed goodness, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
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Ingredients
- 6 whole lemons
- 6 tablespoons coarse sea salt
- 1 piece sterilized glass jar (16-20 oz capacity)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 optional optional spices (cinnamon stick, bay leaf, or peppercorns)
Directions
Step 1
Wash the lemons thoroughly under cold water to remove any wax or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 2
Slice off the very ends of each lemon, then cut each lemon lengthwise into quarters, leaving the pieces attached at the base so they remain whole.
Step 3
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt into the cavity of each lemon, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 4
Place 1 tablespoon of salt at the bottom of the sterilized jar, then carefully pack the salted lemons into the jar, pressing them down firmly with a spoon or clean fingers to release their juices.
Step 5
If using optional spices, tuck them between the lemons as you fill the jar.
Step 6
Once all the lemons are in the jar, pour any additional juice from the lemons into the jar, then add enough fresh lemon juice to cover the lemons completely.
Step 7
Seal the jar with its lid and shake gently to distribute the juice and salt.
Step 8
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking it gently every couple of days to ensure the lemons remain submerged and the salt dissolves evenly.
Step 9
After 2 weeks, the preserved lemons are ready to use. Move the jar to the refrigerator for longer-term storage (up to 6 months). Rinse off excess salt before using the lemons in recipes.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (679g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 156.8 |
| Total Fat 1.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 34928.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 49.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 14.8g | |
| Protein 4.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 105.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 2.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 729.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories