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My Mom's Lime Pickle



Don't go by how ugly this bowl looks. You are in the presence of the tastiest pickle in the world. Second tastiest actually, since my mom's mango pickle is the tops. But this lime pickle comes quite close.

You need a kilo of limes to start with. Wash them well and pat dry with a dish towel. Now spread them out on a tray to dry completely.

In the meantime, make your stuffing. First you mix the whole spices and grind them. You need a tbsp of black peppercorns, 2 tbsp cumin seeds, 4-5 pods of black cardamom and 8-10 cloves. Once these spices are ground to a fine powder, mix in 100 grams salt, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 tbsp rock salt and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Finally, add in 4 tbsp of the most critical spice - ajwain (also called carom seeds or bishop's weed).

Slit each lime into four, keeping the base intact so the pieces still stay together. Fill with as much spice stuffing as you can fit in a lime (1-2 tsp usually does it). Arrange these limes in a glass or a ceramic jar. When you have only 3 limes left, pour any spices you have left in the jar. Juice the last 3 limes and add that juice to the jar.

Now cover your jar and put it out on the porch, or any place you get direct sunlight. Leave the jar in the sun for two days, then let it be for another 8-10 days.

At the end of two weeks, the spices and the lemons mingle into a delicious pickle. My mom then puts it in the fridge where it keeps for at least 6 months.

Comments

Suganya said…
Mouthwatering one...YUM!
Simplyfood said…
The spice mixture used is very unusual I am sure it tastes awesome.
The spices sounds wonderful dear...Never tried this version of lime pickle....might be I will give a try in small quantity first..recipe noted in mind..:)
Nithya said…
No matter how it looks. I'm sure this is mouthwatering pickle :)
jayasree said…
Different kind of pickle...Liked the stuffing method and the spices that go into it...And no oil too.
This is one of my faves. Am going to try it soon. Isn't there a sweet version with jaggery too?
Srivalli said…
No matter how it looks, mom's pickles are the best!..do you have that mango pickle?..will check for that..
Swati Sapna said…
oh my god... im salivating so hard i swear my laptop is flooded :D hehehe! but seriously, this is absolutely drool-worthy! and this spice mix is something I have never heard of... very unique!
Couldn't resist this and have made your pickle. It still needs to get "mushy" and I can't wait for that! :)
My post's at http://www.mydiversekitchen.com/2011/04/quite-bit-of-pickle-avakkai-urugai.html
Anonymous said…
I am making this wonderful lime pickle. The spice mix is amazing. Just one question: Do I need to cover the limes w juice? Its less than 1/3 full of juice.
Bombay Foodie said…
@Vegeyum - you don't need to cover the limes with juice. 1/3rd seems just about right.
Pelicano said…
Simran- nice pickle! I know this one well... ;-) You are only the third person in the world to share your family's recipe for it- a treasure!

I like your use of all raw spices instead of roasted as some do... beautiful top-notes, I am imagining. I'll mix up a jar yet today- thanks so much for sharing!

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