Naranga Achar (Kerala-Style Lemon Pickle)
Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)Naranga pickle, also known as lemon pickle, is a favourite topping in South Asian meals. It's made by mixing lemon pieces with spices, salt, and oil, creating a zesty and tasty mix. The sour lemons and fragrant spices create a mouthwatering taste that complements a variety of dishes.
You can have...
Ingredients
For Steaming the Lemon
- 1kgLemons
- 5tbspSalt (divided)
For Tempering
- 200mLSesame Oil
- 1tspFenugreek Seeds
- 4Clove
- 1/2tbspBlack Mustard Seeds
Additional Ingredients
- 1cupGarlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2cupGinger, chopped
- 6Green Chillies chopped
- 2sprigsCurry Leaves
Spices
- 1/2tspTurmeric
- 7tbspKashmiri Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2tspAsafoetida (Hing)
- 3tbspSugar
- 4tbspWhite Vinegar
- 1/2cupWater
How to make Naranga Achar (Kerala-Style Lemon Pickle)
Steaming the Lemon
Thoroughly wash the lemons. Steam them on medium-high heat until soft, approx. 10-15 minutes. Allow them to cool, then slice each lemon into eight pieces. Add salt, mix and set aside.
Tempering
Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over low-medium heat. Once hot, add the fenugreek seeds, cloves, and black mustard seeds, allowing them to crackle.
Add the chopped garlic, ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté until they begin to turn golden.
Reduce the heat and stir in the turmeric, red chilli powder, and asafoetida, ensuring they mix well with the oil and do not burn.
Mix in the sugar, the remaining 3 tablespoons of salt, white vinegar, and water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Add the cut lemon pieces into the pan, ensuring they are well-coated with the spiced oil mixture.
Continue to cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes until the pickle thickens slightly.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the pickle cool completely. Transfer to sterilized jars and let the pickle rest for 3-4 days to allow the flavors to deepen before consumption.
Store the pickle in a cool, dry place. It can be refrigerated to extend its shelf life.
Tips & Tricks
Adjust the salt and spices to taste.
The oil acts as a preservative; ensure there is a layer of oil over the pickle in the jar to prevent spoilage.
Properly stored, the pickle can last for several months.
Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨