Preserved lemons are incredibly useful for a variety of sweet and savory recipes. However, we often find ourselves without them on hand since they’re not used frequently. I recently tested this method for making my monkfish tajine for New Year’s Eve. Here’s a quick and easy recipe for preserved lemons using the microwave.

Ingredients

– 2 whole lemons
– 2 teaspoons of salt or sugar
– Juice of one lemon
– 100 ml of water

Step by Step

1. Slice the 2 lemons into thin rounds, removing any seeds.
2. Squeeze the juice from one lemon.
3. In a microwave-safe container (that seals well), combine all the ingredients: lemon slices, lemon juice, salt (or sugar), and water. Mix everything together.
4. Microwave for 10 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes, then again at 5 minutes, and finally at 8 minutes. Ideally, all the liquid should have evaporated by the end.
5. Allow to cool before using. Personally, I froze it in small portions for later use.