Spicy African 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 LEMON & LIME SQUEEZES

Steps:

• Juice 2 whole lemons or limes and keep the juice, skins and pulp. Cut all the fruit you're using into equal-sized chunks. Layer the lemon and lime pieces with 75g flaky sea salt in a sterilised 500g jar. Pour in the juice to cover the shells, adding a few tbsp boiled cooled water to top up if needed. Press down well to remove any trapped air. Seal, shake, then add more salt if needed as some dissolves into the juice.
• Mature in the fridge for at least 1 month, shaking every day for the first week, then every few days after that. The preserved lemons and limes are ready when the white pith has turned translucent. Use only the rind part of the fruit when you cook.

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.