Tangy and Delicious: Homemade Lemon Pickle Recipe

Lemon pickle is a classic condiment enjoyed across India and Pakistan. Its bright, tangy flavor and spicy kick add a zesty touch to any meal. While store-bought options are readily available, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own lemon pickle at home. The process is surprisingly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience.

Ingredients:

• 500g lemons
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry, ensuring no moisture remains on the skin.
2. Cut the lemons into quarters or wedges. Discard the seeds if desired.
3. Combine the lemon pieces, salt, and turmeric powder in a glass or ceramic bowl. Mix well and cover the bowl with a lid. Let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours, allowing the salt to draw out the moisture from the lemons.
4. Drain the excess liquid from the lemons. You can discard this liquid or use it for other purposes, such as adding it to marinades or salad dressings.
5. In a small pan, dry roast the fenugreek seeds until fragrant. Let them cool, then grind them into a fine powder.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and black peppercorns. Once the mustard seeds splutter, add the chili powder and fenugreek powder. Let the mixture cook for a few seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour the hot oil mixture over the lemons in the bowl. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
8. Transfer the lemon pickle to a clean, sterilized glass jar. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before enjoying. The flavors will continue to develop and mellow over time.

Tips:

• For a milder pickle, reduce the amount of chili powder.
• You can add other spices to the pickle, such as ginger, garlic, or cumin, to customize the flavor.
• Use organic lemons whenever possible for the best flavor and quality.
• Once the pickle is opened, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few months.

Enjoy your homemade lemon pickle!

This recipe is a basic starting point, and you can feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own signature lemon pickle. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy this delicious and versatile condiment for weeks to come.

Additional notes:

• It is important to use clean and sterilized utensils and jars to prevent the growth of bacteria.
• Be careful when handling chili peppers, as they can irritate your skin. Wear gloves if necessary.
• This recipe is for a small batch of lemon pickle. You can easily double or triple the recipe if you want to make more.

I hope you found this article helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.