Preserved Lemon Purée Recipes

QUICK LEMON PUREE RECIPE (TRY WITH LIMES!)

Steps:

• Wash the lemons. Make sure to remove any waxy residue.
• Trim the ends and discard.
• Slice into ¼" slices and remove the seeds.
• Combine the sliced lemons, lemon juice, water, salt and herbs (if using) in a small saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat and cover. TIP: Check often to make sure the liquid hasn't evaporated. Add more water or lemon juice if needed.
• Simmer until the rinds are tender and translucent, 10-15 minutes.
• Let cool completely.
• Remove any herbs, if using.
• Transfer to a blender (I like to use my Nutribullet for this) and puree until thick and smooth (think baby food consistency). If too thick, add water or more lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time.
• Store in a small airtight jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze (see note).

PRESERVED LEMONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Cut the lemons into sixths, lengthwise, sprinkle with the salt and place in a non-corrosive dish (glass is good). Cover the lemons with water and cook in the oven for 3 hours. Allow to cool and then refrigerate.

QUICK PRESERVED LEMONS

Steps:

• Trim the ends off the lemons. Slice each lemon into 8 wedges, removing any seeds as you go. Reserve as much of the juice as possible.
• Layer the lemon wedges in a wide-mouthed 16-ounce canning jar, covering each layer with salt. Pack the jar as tightly as possible, pressing down to release the lemons' juice as you go and leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace in the jar.
• Cover the wedges with the reserved lemon juice from the cutting board and the ends. If your lemons do not release a significant amount of juice, top off the jar with the juice of another lemon.
• Stash in the refrigerator for 4 days, then flip the jar over and age another 4 days before sampling. The peel should be nice and soft. Rinse 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.

LEMON PUREE

Steps:

• Place sugar and 2 1/8 cups water in a pressure cooker; heat over low heat and cook, stirring, to dissolve sugar. Add lemon zest and flesh to pressure cooker and cover. Bring to 15 PSI (or 2nd ring on most cookers).
• Once pressure is reached, set a timer for 35 minutes; reduce heat to maintain pressure. Do not overpressure. Swirl contents periodically to avoid burning. Strain to remove any seeds.
• Transfer zest and flesh to the jar of a blender; add 3/4 cup liquid and puree until smooth. Let cool completely before using.