Overnight Preserved Lemons
Transform your cooking with the zesty magic of *Overnight Preserved Lemons*, a quick and convenient twist on a traditional preserving method. This 10-minute prep recipe uses just a handful of ingredients—fresh lemons, kosher salt, and a touch of sugar—to create a bold and tangy flavor booster. By allowing the lemons to marinate overnight in their own natural juices and a curing mixture, they develop a complex, salty-sweet citrus profile that's perfect for Mediterranean dishes, marinades, or brightening up salads and stews. The best part? No long fermentation periods required! Simply pack your lemons into a sterilized jar, let them cure on your counter overnight, and enjoy the vibrant results the very next day. These preserved lemons are easy to make, beautifully versatile, and will keep your refrigerator stocked with flavor for weeks to come!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole lemons
- 6 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 0.5 cups lemon juice
- 1 piece sterilized jar
Instructions
Wash and scrub the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or residue from the skin. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Slice each lemon into quarters lengthwise, but leave the quarters connected at the base so the lemon stays intact.
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt into the cavity of each lemon, spreading evenly between the cuts.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of kosher salt with the sugar to create a curing mixture.
Add a thin layer of the curing mixture to the bottom of the sterilized jar.
Place a salted lemon into the jar, pressing down firmly to release its juices. Sprinkle a bit of the curing mixture on top of the lemon.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining lemons, ensuring each one is pressed firmly and covered with the curing mixture. Pack them tightly to release as much juice as possible.
Pour the lemon juice over the lemons to fill in any gaps, ensuring the lemons are completely submerged in liquid.
Seal the jar tightly and leave it at room temperature on the counter overnight (12-24 hours).
After the preserving period, the overnight preserved lemons are ready to use. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they remain covered in their brine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
196 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.0 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 10626 mg | 462% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.0 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.0 g | ||
| Protein | 3.0 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 444 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
