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prep time
20 min
cook time
0 min
ready time
20 min
Keto Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons are quintessential in North African cooking. The saltiness and brightness add depth to stews, sauces, dressings, and other dishes. You may be unsure how to use preserved lemons, but they are as simple to use as they are to make. Not to mention they are naturally Keto and Low Carb! The lemons are sliced and then sprinkled with ample amounts of kosher salt. We did not include an amount of salt in this recipe, so make sure you have enough salt on hand (a large box of kosher salt will do). Once the lemons are cut and salted, they are pressed into a jar to release their juices. The process is repeated several times until the jar is full and the lemons have been pushed down so much that the lemon juice completely submerges the lemons.
What are the best type of lemons to use?
Since the intention with preserved lemons is to eat the skin, be sure to source organic lemons if possible. If you cannot use organic lemons, wash the outside of the lemons well with dish soap and water.
What are ways you can use preserved lemons?
There are many ways to use preserved lemons! First, they would be delicious chopped small and whisked into caesar dressing or as a topping to a salad. You could also use chopped preserved lemons in palm noodles tossed with a dash of cream, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Preserved lemons are also delicious in stews to add brightness to an otherwise heavy dish. When using the lemons, you can rinse them to make them less salty. The best way to use them is as you would salt, adding enough to add saltiness and tartness to a dish.
How long do they take to preserve?
The lemons will take about 3-4 weeks to be preserved fully. Ensure the jar is shaken every couple of days to ensure even distribution of salt and acid.
What spices can you add?
If you want to add some additional flavor, adding a bay leaf and a teaspoon of whole peppercorns is a delicious and beautiful addition to the jar if giving these as gifts.
To make the ultimate pairing, add chopped preserved lemons to this Keto recipe Keto Caesar Salad Dressing to make for a delicious tart and savory dressing for lettuce!
Net Carbs
1.5 g
Fiber
0.7 g
Total Carbs
2.2 g
Protein
0.3 g
Fats
0.1 g
7 cals
#1 Low Carb & Keto Diet App Since 2010
Track macros, calories, and access top Keto recipes.
Ingredients
Lemon
7 large - 2 3/8" diameter
Recipe Steps
steps 4
20 min
Step 1
Wash and dry the lemons. If using organic, you can simply wash them with water. You can also play it safe, scrub the lemons outside with kosher salt, and then rinse them.Step 2
Cut perpendicular lines through the lemons stopping ½” from the bottom of the lemon. Doing this will result in a lemon that is cut into quarters but attached at the bottom by ½”.Step 3
Sprinkle the inside of the lemon on all the cut sides with plenty of kosher salt. You can be very liberal with the salt as the point here is to preserve the lemons. Place the first lemon into the bottom of a quart-sized glass jar. Continue this process with the rest of the lemons. Press each lemon into the jar, releasing the juices of all the lemons. The goal is to have the juice cover all the lemons. Keep pressing them down to release more juices. Cover the jar tightly with a lid.Step 4
Allow the lemons to sit for 3-4 weeks, shaking the jar every day for the first week or so. Then shake every couple of days until the final couple of weeks the lemons are mostly preserved, and you can shake them once a week at that point. Store in a cool, dark place.
