Preserved Limes Recipes

PRESERVED LIMES

Steps:

• Rinse limes; pat dry. Cut off ends and upend on a cut side. Make 2 perpendicular slits lengthwise into fruit to form an X, cutting only three-fourths of the way down. Pack lots of salt into slits and place limes into jar, pressing to compact and release juices. Seal jar; let limes sit at room temperature 12 hours. Uncover and press firmly again to compact. Repeat once or twice daily until limes are softened and submerged in juices, 2-3 days. (If there is not enough juice to submerge limes after 3 days, add fresh lime juice to cover.) Chill 1 month before using.
• Limes can be preserved 6 months ahead. Keep chilled.

PRESERVED LEMONS AND LIMES

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and drop in the lemons and limes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain. Combine the salt and lemon juice and pour a little in the bottom of a glass jar. Add the lemons and limes to the jar and pour in the remaining salt mixture. Seal tightly. Let stand for seven days, shaking the jar each day to redistribute the salt mixture. Rinse the salt off the lemons and limes before using.

PRESERVED LEMONS

Steps:

• Toss the lemon slices in kosher salt to coat, and place them into a sterile 2 quart glass jar. Pour in the lemon juice, cover tightly, and let stand on the counter for 1 week. Turn the jar over daily. At the end of the week, top the jar off with enough olive oil to cover the lemons. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.
• To use, pull the lemon pulp from the peel, and scrape out the pith to leave only the yellow rind. Julienne, and add to your favorite dish for a lemony zing.