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Preserved Lemons Recipe
4.9 from 126 votes

Preserved Lemons Recipe

Preserved lemons are prepared by quartering whole lemons and curing them with kosher salt, sugar, peppercorns, and bay leaves, then soaking them in fresh lemon juice. This process softens the rind and enriches the lemons with a sharp, salty, and slightly sweet flavor. The preservation takes several weeks, allowing the lemons to develop complex flavors suitable for enhancing soups, stews, and salads.

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 314 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Moroccan

Ingredients

  • 8 lemon large
  • ½ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons peppercorn
  • 4 to 5 bay leaf dry
  • lemon juice about 2 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice, fresh, from 7 to 8 lemons

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. Seal the jar shut and store in the fridge for 3 weeks to 1 month before consuming.

Notes

  • Use a large airtight jar to pack the lemons tightly for proper preservation.
  • Preserved lemons keep up to six months refrigerated and develop tender, edible skins and flesh.
  • If lemon sizes vary, use multiple smaller jars to fit all lemons securely.
  • Allow at least three weeks of curing before consuming for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 31.4kcal (2%) Carbohydrates 9.5g (3%) Protein 0.8g (2%) Sodium 3538.3mg (147%) Potassium 123.4mg (3%) Fiber 1.9g (8%) Vitamin A 22.1IU (0%) Vitamin C 40.4mg (45%) Calcium 23.8mg (2%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 314

% Daily Value*

Calories 31.4kcal 2%
Carbohydrates 9.5g 3%
Protein 0.8g 2%
Sodium 3538.3mg 147%
Potassium 123.4mg 3%
Fiber 1.9g 8%
Vitamin A 22.1IU 0%
Vitamin C 40.4mg 45%
Calcium 23.8mg 2%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.