Lemon pickle (sweet and sour) Nimboo ka khatta meetha achar

Servings:
Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Keeping time: 1-2 days.
Seasoning & mixing time: 12-15 minutes.
Total time: 25 minutes.

Authentic way of prepared lemon pickle, you won’t get any big bazaar or metro mall stores. There is no matter how much variety of pickles available in the market, but we always prefer homemade and authentic preparation.

Zesty, tangy, and delightfully sweet; “Lemon pickle (sweet and sour) Nimboo ka khatta meetha achar” is the perfect mix of bold flavours in one jar! It is a timeless Indian condiment prepared by preserving lemons with jaggery/sugar and a blend of spices. The juicy lemons soak up spices and sweetness, turning into a pickle that’s both lip-smacking and versatile.

This pickle not only enhances the taste of meals but is also valued for its digestive properties. A spoonful instantly livens up plain Dal–Chawal, Stuffed Parathas, Theplas or even a simple snack platter. It’s not just a pickle, it’s that magical sidekick that makes everyday meals exciting and memorable.

Ingredients:

Lemon: 250 gm
Sugar: 250 gm.
Salt: 10 gm
Fenugreek seed: ½ teaspoon
Red chilli powder: 10 gm
Turmeric powder: 5 gm
Asafoetida: 1 pinch

Preparation:

Chop lemon into four pieces, keep aside.
Dry roast fenugreek seed, coarsely grind them. Keep aside.

Method:

Take a big mixing bowl/earthen pot, Put lemon pieces along with turmeric powder, and salt mix properly with spatula (don’t use your hands), cover it and keep it at dry place. Keep it for 1-2 days (stir once or twice in a day.) After 1-2 days the pieces become soft, you can put it into sun for a day or two by covering with thin cotton cloth.
Make “three string” of sugar syrup (sugar and ½ cup water bring it to boil and let it boil for 8-10 minutes).
Add asafoetida, roasted fenugreek powder and chilli powder with prepared lemon (discard the water if there is any), bring it to boil and put off the flame. “Lemon pickle (sweet and sour) Nimboo ka khatta meetha achar” is ready after it comes to normal temperature.
Store this pickle in a glass container. Serve with any meal.