Meetha Nimbu Achar

Ingredients:

  • 340gms smooth-skinned Lemons
  • 2tbsp salt
  • 1/2tsp Fennel seeds (crushed)
  • 1/2tsp Cumin seeds (crushed)
  • 1/2tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1cup shredded jaggery (gur)
  • 1/3cup fresh Lemon juice

Preparation:

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the lemons.
  • Set them in sun or air dry in oven for 5 minutes.
  • Slice each one lengthwise into 8 pieces.
  • Combine the salt, fennel seeds, cumin seeds and black pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
  • Arrange a layer of citrus, cut side up, in a jar. Sprinkle with the salt spice mixture. Alternate the two ingredients until the jar is full.
  • Combine the jaggery with the citrus juice in a small saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring constantly, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Cool to Luke warm then pour over the citrus in the jar.
  • Cool to room temperature and cover with a cloth.
  • Set in the sun every day for 5 weeks; bring the jar inside every night.
  • Shake the jar 2-3 times in a day.
  • After 5 weeks do not set it in the sun, but continue to shake for another 2 weeks before use.