Preserved Lemons

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Recipe from the Tasting Table Test Kitchen

Preserved Lemons
5 (38 ratings)
Preserved lemons are a must-have in our pantry, perfect for stirring into vinaigrettes or slipping under the skin of a holiday bird.
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
0
minutes
Servings
2
quarts (8 cups) preserved lemons
Total time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2½ cups fresh lemon juice (from about 18 lemons)
  • 16 juiced lemon halves (from 8 lemons)
  • 1¼ cups kosher salt
  • A few pinches of saffron
  • Whole black peppercorns
  • Dried bay leaves
Optional Ingredients
  • Fennel seeds (optional)
Directions
  1. Set the 16 juiced lemon halves on a cutting board and pack each one with salt. (You'll have some salt left over. Save it; you'll need it in step 2.) Place the lemons in an 8-cup/½-gallon jar, cut side pressed against the glass. As you layer the lemons, sprinkle in saffron, fennel seeds, black peppercorns and a bay leaf or two.
  2. Pour the lemon juice over the salt-packed lemons (they should be completely submerged in juice, or they will get moldy) and add any remaining salt. Cover securely, then give the jar a light shake.
  3. Let the lemons sit at room temperature for at least 2 weeks and up to 3 weeks before using. Once the jar is open, store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. To use the preserved lemon, rinse it under cool water, scoop out and discard the pulp, and use the preserved rind.
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