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–+ servings
Zesty Lemon & Chile Pickle with Ajwain Seeds – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Zesty Lemon & Chile Pickle with Ajwain Seeds

A vibrant explosion of fresh, zesty, and fiery flavors, this Lemon & Chile Pickle with ajwain seeds will brighten any dish. It's a delicious condiment that requires a couple of days to ferment and will keep for up to two months in the fridge.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 medium jar (16 oz)
Calories: 5

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large lemons, yielding 11 oz / 310 g flesh
  • 4 oz (115 g) cayenne peppers or slim red chiles
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) ajwain (carom) seeds
  • 3½ teaspoons salt
  • Pro-Tips for the Perfect Pickle
  • Ensure your jar, bowl, and spoon are impeccably clean or sterilized to prevent spoilage and ensure a long shelf life.
  • Be thorough when removing the white pith from the lemons, as any left behind can impart a bitter taste to the final pickle.
  • Control the heat level by keeping or removing the chile seeds. For a milder pickle, deseed the chiles before chopping them.
  • For a deeper, more complex flavor, allow the pickle to mature in the fridge for at least a week before enjoying. The flavors will meld and intensify beautifully over time.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the lemons. Trim the ends, then stand each lemon upright.
  2. Using a small paring knife, carefully slice away the peel and white pith, following the fruit's curve, until only the flesh remains.
  3. Cut the lemon flesh into quarters, then slice each quarter thinly, removing seeds as you go. Finely chop the chiles.
  4. In a non-reactive glass or ceramic bowl, combine the sliced lemon, chopped chiles, turmeric, ajwain seeds, and salt.
  5. Mix thoroughly with a clean spoon.
  6. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave it on the counter, away from direct sunlight, for 2 days.
  7. Stir the mixture twice daily as it begins to soften and release its juices.
  8. Once the pickle has softened, transfer it to a sterilized jar. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon to pack it in, and store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 1.5gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1g

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