Pickled lemon adds unique twist to dish

During a recent road trip south, I was talking to my newest friend, Faiza, about Moroccan cooking.

She kept mentioning dishes made with pickled lemon. I had never made pickled lemon and do not remember seeing it in the grocery store. So, I asked her how she made it. It was very simple. It does take two weeks to make pickled lemons, but it’s definitely worth it.

Below is the recipe for making pickled lemons and also a delicious side dish that uses those lemons. It has a very unique flavor, which I enjoyed. Faiza says they use any kind of vegetables or potatoes in place of the carrots, so this dish is very flexible.

You can use it with whatever vegetable you have on hand. Give this unique dish a try. I’m sure you will enjoy it.

MOROCCAN PICKLED LEMON AND CARROTS

Prep Time: 10 minutes Ready in: 25 min (add 2 weeks if making the pickledlemon) Ingredients: 1 pickled lemon-cut into bite sized pieces (see recipe below) 2 c. baby carrots or large carrots cut into bite sized pieces 1 tbs. olive oil 2 tbs. vinegar 1 tsp. minced garlic or 2 garlic cloves minced 1 tbs. fresh cilantro (or more to taste) M tsp. salt, more or less to taste !4 tsp. pepper, more or less to taste Pinch of cumin Directions: 1. To make the pickled lemon, take 3 lemons and wash them, cut into quarters and place into a quart sized jar, mix 1 cup of water and lA

cup salt, pour into the jar over the top of the lemons, add additional water, as needed to cover the lemons, then add 1 tbs. olive oil on top of the water. Cover with lid and place into the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Shaking the jar slightly every day or so.

2. In a medium sauce pan, boil the carrot pieces until fork tender, remove from heat and stain from the water.

3. In a skillet, heat the garlic in the olive oil for a minute, add the carrots, pickled lemon, vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin and cilantro. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Do you have a great recipe you would like to share? Please send it to me for testing and possible publishing. Feedback and comments can be sent tobear@ptd.net.