Want to enjoy lemons all year long? From Save, learn how to make preserved lemons and how to use them.
Preserving is an ancient method used for making food last longer, dating to the days before modern refrigerators and year-round growing techniques. But it works just as well today as it ever did, and it can be a great way to prevent spoilage. If you have more lemons than you know what to do with, consider this easy preserved-lemon recipe.
First, you’ll need to sterilize some jars. This is an incredibly important step since jars that are not properly sterilized could lead to illness. You can either run them through the dishwasher on its hottest setting (no detergent!), stand them up on the bottom shelf of your oven on its lowest setting for 30 minutes, or boil them in a saucepan of water for 20 minutes. You’ll need to fill them while they’re still hot.
Next, cut 8 lemons in half lengthwise and then in half again. Don’t cut all the way through, instead allowing the pieces to fan out slightly.
Separately cut and juice 4 additional lemons. You’ll need a total of 1 cup of lemon juice.
Pour the lemon juice into a glass bowl and immerse the lemon pieces. Squeeze each piece a bit as you lower it into the bowl, allowing just a little of its juice to run out.
Add 1.5 cups of rock salt, 5 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon each of cumin seeds and coriander seeds to the bowl. Mix thoroughly, pressing down on the cut lemons to release more juice.
Pack the mixture into a single 6-cup jar or two smaller jars, ensuring that the lemons are fully covered with juice.
Fill a small Ziploc baggie with water and seal it tightly. Add it on top of the lemons inside the jar to keep them submerged.
Seal and date the jar and let stand for at least 3 weeks before using the lemons. Store in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. Always refrigerate preserved lemons once you open the jar.
Uses for preserved lemons run the gamut from rustic soups to spritzers. But in general, preserved lemons will give your dishes a North African, particularly Moroccan, flair. The taste is tart and somewhat salty, so a little goes a long way. Slow cooking will mellow the flavor, so use a little more in those dishes and a bit less in quick-cooking meals.
Preserved lemons are a fun food to experiment with, as well as a great way to save money all year long. But you can’t live on lemons alone. At Save, we’re committed to sparking joy while helping you save money on everything from groceries and household goods to making memories with your family. Discover some household uses for white vinegar, learn the benefits of raising chickens, or find out how to get started with stargazing. Be sure to visit the Save Coupon Book Finder to look for discounts and deals in your own backyard.
