Preserved Lemons by Farid Zadi

Preserved lemons are used in Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian cooking.

Ingredients:

4 lemons, quartered. Meyer lemons are very good, but you can use regular lemons.

1 1/2  cups coarse salt
water or lemon juice.

Toss the lemons with salt, pack tightly into a jar. Top with lemon juice or water and more salt.  Do not use metal lids, they will corrode, use plastic or glass. Let cure  at room temperature for about a month, after opening place in the refrigerator where they will stay good for about a year.

The most famous use for preserved lemons is Chicken with Preserved Lemons and Olives. I have about 8 versions of this recipe which I will post in my Algerian cuisine blog. Yes, it's coming along, I'm waiting for more photos for a flashier debut. I probably shouldn't say that because it will be a blog and readers will see how a cookbook grows.

Preserved lemons are also a fairly common French pantry item, especially in the south. It's very versatile and adds an intriguing flavor to a range of savory preparations.

Thoroughly rinse the lemon quarter under cool water and discard the pulp. Some cooks leave them in quarters, I prefer to julienne them. Traditionally in North Africa they are added to stews, soups and briks with lamb, chicken, beef, fish or vegetables.

Comments

[Farid Zadi]

Preserves lemons are called Qares Mraqqed. You can open the jar to mix them up, but it's preferable to just turn the jar upside down.

Yes please report back and if you have a photo of your preparation I will post it for you.

[roohi]

OK. My lemons are all in. Is it a good or a bad idea to open the container and mix it up after a few weeks? I'll report back in a month after I have enjoyed my first meal of chicken with these lemons. What is the proper Arabic term for these lemons? Thanks.

[Requia]

Chicken with "citron confits" is one of my favourite dish.
By the way I posted a recipe for preserved lemons on my own blog : http://requia.canalblog.com/archives/2005/07/04/626043.html

Requia

[Khalid Talbi]

Hi Farid,
I have just come across your comment on my BBC blog. thanks for that.
Intersting your gastronomic note. Strangely enough, chicken with citron and olives is my favourite dish.
Honest.
Take care and talk to you soon,
Khalid