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Lemon Pickle Recipe

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Lemon Pickle Recipe

Lemon Pickle is a traditional Indian condiment made with lemons (or limes), ground spices, salt and an optional ingredient – oil. Many Indian homes make pickles during summer that usually last for an year. Pickles are eaten as a side in an Indian meal and is believed to aid digestion when eaten in small quantities. A typical Indian meal always consists of a pickle and Lemon Pickle is the most common one loved by many.

Here’s a classic Indian lemon pickle recipe that is tangy, spicy, and delicious:

Ingredients:

  • 10 medium-sized lemons
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 2 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
  • 1 tbsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 cup red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 cup mustard oil (you can use any other oil if you prefer)
  • 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (optional, for a sweet and spicy version)

Instructions:

Preparing the Lemons:

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the lemons. Make sure there is no moisture, as it can spoil the pickle.
  2. Cut each lemon into 8 pieces.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, add the lemon pieces and salt. Mix well.
  4. Transfer the salted lemons into a clean, dry jar. Close the lid tightly and keep it in a dry place for about a week. Shake the jar once daily to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.

Preparing the Spice Mix:

  1. Dry roast the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds separately until they are aromatic. Allow them to cool.
  2. Grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder.

Making the Pickle:

  1. After a week, the lemons will have softened and released some juice.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened lemons, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the ground mustard and fenugreek seed powder.
  3. Heat the mustard oil in a pan until it reaches its smoking point, then let it cool slightly.
  4. Add the asafoetida to the cooled oil and mix.
  5. Pour the spiced oil mixture over the lemon and spice mix. Stir well to ensure all the lemon pieces are well coated.
  6. If you prefer a sweet and spicy pickle, add sugar at this stage and mix well.

Storing:

  1. Transfer the pickle into a clean, dry glass jar.
  2. Seal the jar tightly and keep it in a dry place.
  3. Allow the pickle to mature for at least 2 weeks before consuming, shaking the jar occasionally to mix the contents.

Your homemade lemon pickle is ready! Enjoy it with rice, parathas, or any of your favorite meals.

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