Lemon pickle recipe made with lemons and spices

Lemon Pickle Recipe

By Swasthi on April 2, 2023, Comments, Jump to Recipe

Lemon Pickle is a traditional Indian condiment made with lemons (or limes), ground spices, salt and an optional ingredient – oil. Many Indian homes make pickles during summer that usually last for an year. Pickles are eaten as a side in an Indian meal and is believed to aid digestion when eaten in small quantities. A typical Indian meal always consists of a pickle and Lemon Pickle is the most common one loved by many.

Lemon pickle recipe made with lime and spices

About Lemon Pickle

Lemon Pickle also known as preserved lemons is a traditional condiment where lemons are preserved in a brine. A basic brine for this purpose consists of salt and lemons or lemon juice. Sometimes various spices are also added to balance the acidic and sour taste of lemons.

After preserving the lemons in the brine for a period of time, they ferment and soften after which they are edible. In the Indian lingo this is known as achar – Lemon pickle.

In India, each region has a different recipe for making pickles. I share my Mom’s recipe here along with lots of tips to keep the lemon pickle good for an year.

However since lemons are available through out the year, I prefer to make them every few months.

Traditionally made pickles are mostly no-cook, except for heating the spices & oil for tempering. So this recipe does not require any cooking except for tempering.

This lemon pickle can be made with just 3 ingredients – lemons, salt and chilli powder. However for a extended shelf-life, it is good to temper it with oil like the way I have done it here.

Process of Making Lemon Pickle

  • Firstly lemons are rinsed well and wiped dry. Then chopped and deseeded. They are sun dried for few hours or can be kept in the oven.
  • These are brined with salt, lemon juice and turmeric for 1 to 3 days. This reduces the bitter taste of the skin.
  • Then chilli powder and roasted fenugreek powder are stirred in and then the pickle is bottled.
  • For an extended shelf life it needs to be tempered with oil and mustard seeds (optional). If you prefer to keep this pickle for an year, I suggest following additional steps mentioned in the recipe notes below.

More pickle recipes,
Instant Mango pickle
Andhra Avakaya
Instant amla pickle

How To Make Lemon Pickle (Stepwise Photos)

Preparation

1. Rinse 8 large lemons (400 grams) well under running water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Air dry them until completely moist free, preferably overnight.

2. Ensure your chopping board, knife, bowls, spoons and everything else you use to make the pickle are moisture free and dry. You can sun dry or air dry them well for a few hours. I usually pop them in the oven for a while at 60 to 70 C (140 to 160 F)

3. Cut 4 lemons to halves and remove the seeds with a small knife and chop them to quarters or smaller cubes as desired. To a small bowl, extract the juice from the rest of the lemons (4) and remove the seeds.

Then spread them on a large tray spacing apart and sun dry for at least 5 hours. If you live in a place where there is no sunlight, simply keep the tray in your oven and turn on the oven at 40 C (104 F), at the lowest possible settings for 1 hour. Shake the tray after 30 mins. The lemon pieces won’t dry out completely. Keep the oven door ajar (slightly open) through out to avoid moisture building up inside.

lemon pieces for sun drying

Spread red chili powder, salt and turmeric in a tray and keep under the sun for 1 hour or in the oven (without salt) for 20 mins, with the door kept ajar. Later place this on a wired rack so the ingredients don’t sweat.

Also keep the lemon juice in the sun or in the oven. If keeping in the sun, spread a thin muslin cloth over the bowl of lemon juice. These steps will ensure your pickle won’t spoil.

Make The Lemon Pickle

4. Before making the pickle, ensure all of the ingredients including salt are at room temperature and not warm. Add the chopped lemon pieces to the jar or bowl. Then pour the lemon juice to the same jar or bowl.

adding lemon pieces and lemon juice to a bowl

5. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt and turmeric.

adding turmeric and salt to make lemon pickle

6. Mix everything well. Lastly sprinkle another half tsp salt over the pieces. This step helps to prevent spoilage.

mixing lemon pieces with salt and juice

7. Cover and rest for 24 hours in a dry place. Avoid keeping in high humid places like kitchen counter etc. I left mine in the living.

cover the bowl

8. After 24 hours, lemons will begin to change the color slightly but not tender yet. If it is summer where you live, then you can wait for another 2 days. I decided to go ahead after 24 hours as it was raining.

lemons in juice after 24 hours

9. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons red chilli powder and ½ to 1 teaspoon roasted methi seeds powder /fenugreek powder.

adding spices to make lemon pickle

10. Mix all of them again. Cover and set aside .

mixing the lemon pickle

Tempering

11. Heat 4 tablespoons oil in a pan. I used mustard oil here so heated it until smoky. However you can use any oil you prefer. When the oil turns hot, add ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds, 2 to 3 crushed garlic cloves and 2 red chilies. Once the garlic turns golden, turn off the heat. Add ⅛ teaspoon hing now. Cool this completely.

tempering spices in oil

12. Pour 2 tbsps oil of the cooled along with garlic and mustard. Mix well. At this stage taste and add more salt and chilli powder.

tempering lemon pickle

13. Transfer this to the jar. Pour the rest of the oil on top. Press down the lemon pickle with a spoon so the pieces all go under the oil.

pouring oil on top

14. Ensure there is a layer of floating oil over the lemon pickle. This helps in shelf life. Cover with an airtight lid and refrigerate. Let the pickle mature for at least 10 to 20 days before you serve. When the pickle is ready, the lemon pieces will soften & the bitter taste reduces.

Layer of oil in the jar

I always refrigerate this pickle after I make it as the weather is humid here. Serve lemon pickle in any Indian meal as a side. Always ensure you use dry spoons to serve the pickle.

Lemon pickle also known lime pickle stored in a glass jar

Here are some tips that may be helpful

Pro Tips

1. Ensure all the ingredients, knife, chopping board, bowls, spoons and all other things used to make the pickle are dry and moisture free. Do not use anything directly from the refrigerator. Bring them to room temperature and use. This step is essential for a good shelf-life.

2. Lemons with thin skin are used to make the pickle as they taste less bitter and mature quickly after pickling. Lemon juice is used to tone down the bitter taste in the skin.

3. Chilli powder is the key ingredient here. It is nothing but pure 100% ground red chilies. I suggest using a milder version for lesser heat.

4. Oil has been traditionally used in most Indian pickles as it prevents the growth of mold or fungus. Oil-free lemon pickle can be made following the same recipe I have shared below. Just skip the oil. But there are chances of the pickle turning moldy depending on the weather conditions.

5. Fenugreek seeds or methi seeds are used in most traditional pickles as they help in fermenting the pickle well. These seeds also adds a unique flavor without leaving a bitter taste. This is optional and you may skip.

This recipe needs only a small amount of fenugreek powder which is hard to make in any blender. So I usually roast about 2 to 3 tbsps of these seeds and then powder them. This keeps good in the fridge for an year. You can add a bit of this to any pickles.

Tempering

Tempering the pickle with whole mustard seeds, garlic and red chilies is optional buts adds some flavor. You may skip all of these and just heat the oil. Cool it completely and then add it to the pickle.

Color of the lemon pickle will change from red to brownish as the pickle ages or matures.

Right time to make

The best time for pickling is during hot summers. We avoid during the monsoon as there are higher chances for the growth of fungus.

Lemons vs Lime

The same recipe can be used to make lime pickle as well. We usually make this with lemons and avoid lime. The skin of the lemon is less bitter than the lime. So most people prefer using lemons. Please note that lime pickle takes longer to mature.

Serving suggestions

This can be eaten as a side in any Indian meal. We usually serve it with a simple dal, rice and ghee or with curd rice.

Related Recipes

Recipe Card

Lemon pickle

Lemon Pickle Recipe

Easy pickle made with lemons or lime, spices, oil and garlic. Lemon pickle is a popular condiment from Indian cuisine. It goes well in any Indian meal.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time3 days 10 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time3 days 12 minutes
Servings20 servings
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US cup = 240ml )

  • 200 grams (4 Large) lemons
  • ½ cup (from 4 lemons) lemon juice
  • tablespoons salt (adjust to taste, preferably non-iodized salt)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon roasted methi seeds powder (optional) (fenugreek powder)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

Tempering

  • 4 tablespoons oil (add more if needed)
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • 2 dried red chilies (optional)
  • 2 to 3 garlic cloves crushed (optional)
  • teaspoon asafoetida (hing) (optional)


Instructions

Preparation

  • Optional – If using fenugreek seeds, roast 1 tsp seeds on a low heat until they turn fragrant and deep golden in color. Cool this and powder finely. Measure ½ to 1 tsp powder for this pickle and set aside.
  • Rinse the lemons well until running water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Air dry them preferably overnight to ensure they are moisture free.
  • Ensure the chopping board, knife, bowls, spoons and pickle jar are clean and moist free. Do not use moist surfaces or cutlery while you make the pickle to avoid spoilage.
  • Chop 200 grams lemons to desired sizes and deseed them gently with a small fork or a knife.
  • Extract the lemon juice from the rest of the lemons (another 200 grams) and discard the seeds.
  • Spread the chopped lemon pieces on a clean tray and sun dry them for at least 5 hours. If you do not have sunlight, then put the tray in the oven and turn on the oven at 40 C (104 F), at the lowest possible settings in your oven for 1 hour, shake the tray after 30 mins. Keep the oven door ajar (little open) through out to avoid moisture building up inside.
  • At the same time, spread red chilli powder, salt and turmeric in a tray. Keep it in the sun for 1 hour or in the oven at 40 C or 104F (without salt) for 20 mins. Keep the oven door ajar (little open) through out to avoid moisture building up inside. Remove the tray and place on a wired rack so the ingredients don't sweat.
  • Also keep the lemon juice in the sun or in the oven. If keeping in the sun, spread a thin muslin cloth over the bowl of lemon juice.

How To Make Lemon Pickle

  • Before you make the pickle, cool down all of the ingredients including salt. This step is very important. They will become warm or slightly hot after keeping in the sun/ oven.
  • Add the lemon pieces to a clean glass or ceramic bowl or jar.
  • Pour the lemon juice, add 1 tbsp salt and turmeric.
  • Cover and rest it for 1 to 2 days at room temperature in a dry clean place. Avoid keeping this in a humid atmosphere like in kitchen. Keep it in the living.
  • Stir the lemon pieces together with chilli powder and ½ to 1 tsp methi seeds powder. Cover and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan until hot enough. Then add mustard, red chilies and crushed garlic.
  • Turn off when the garlic is fried to crisp and golden. Add hing and cool down the oil completely.
  • Pour half of the oil to the lemon pickle and give a good stir. Taste it and add more salt and chilli powder if needed.
  • Transfer this to a glass bottle. Pour the remaining oil over the pickle.
  • Press down the pickle so the oil floats on top. Ensure there is a layer of oil over the lemon pickle as this helps in a good shelf life.
  • Cover with a lid and refrigerate the lemon pickle for better shelf life.
  • It takes 10 to 20 days for the lemon pieces to be ready. When the pickle is ready, the lemon pieces will soften.
  • Always use dry spoons to serve the pickle. Wipe clean the sides of the jar with a clean tissue after every use. Ensure most of the lemon pickle is under the oil at all times. This helps in preserving the pickle for longer.


Notes

  • Wash the pickling jar with mild hot water and soap. Rinse it well and dry it very well for a day or 2. Ensure there is no moisture. You can directly make the pickle in this jar.
  • Usually lemons will thinner skin are used for pickle as they tend to be less bitter and mature quickly.
  • I used 3 tbsps chilli powder and the pickle turned out to be on the hotter side. If you don’t prefer it to be hot, reduce it to 2 tbsps. 
  • Ensure the pickle is under the oil at all times. A layer of oil should be floating over the pickle. This preserves it for longer.
  • Do not keep the refrigerated pickle at room temperature for longer than a few hours. There are chances of mold growing over it.
  • If you want to preserve the lemon pickle for an year, then rest the pieces in salt and lemon juice for 2 days. On the 3rd day, drain the pieces in a colander and dry them on a tray for another 2 days. Also place a thin cloth over the lemon juice bowl. Keep this as well in the hot sun for a day. After 2 days of sun drying, add them back to the juice along with spice powders. Follow the rest of the recipe.

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.

For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.

Video

Watch Lemon Pickle Video

NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)

Nutrition Facts
Lemon Pickle Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 34 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 450mg20%
Potassium 50mg1%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 280IU6%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

Lemon Pickle Recipe First Published in March 2020. Updated and republished in July 2022.

Lemon Pickle Recipe

About Swasthi

I’m Swasthi Shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthi’s Recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills. More about me

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5 stars
Hi Swasthi
I made this recipe and it was so delicious. Definitely won’t last a year in this house!
I’m about to make a second batch but I did wonder, I live in a very dry climate in Perth, Australia. Last time I did not dry my spices and had no issues. If my climate is very dry do I need to do the drying process for quite as long? Could the lemons be left out for a day instead of 2?

Also I plan to use limes, is there anything different I should note to the process?
Thank you!

Hi Swasthi,
I have a bunch of lemons on my tree so I’m looking forwarding to trying your recipe. Unfortunately, it’s been raining here in SoCal so I’ll have to use my oven and I want to make sure I understand a few things:
Oven drying the lemons for 1 hour total, shaking at the 30min point and leaving the oven door slightly open the entire hour, is this correct?
Oven roasting the chilli & tumeric powder for 20 mins also with oven door ajar, can you please explain the purpose of this?
Which type of oil are you using?
I appreciate your patience with all the clarifying questions, it’s my first attempt but I want to get the process correct so I can adjust the flavor if needed. Thank you.

Hi Swasthi,
Thank you for the quick response. Also, sorry for the grammar error in my request (forward*).
Okay, I will just wait it out. We are so spoiled when it comes to weather that I haven’t even stepped into the garden to pick the lemons yet. I don’t want to take a chance with moisture issues and it will give me an opportunity to gather my ingredients. I’ve seen several types of chilli powders in the local markets, cayenne, kashmiri etc, anyone specific you recommend?

Won’t the lemon juice extracted in a bowl get evaporated if it is kept in the sun

Hi Swasthi! I always love your recipes. Can I ask where your mother is from, since this is her recipe? I’m trying to find a Tamil version of lemon pickles. Thank you!

5 stars
This lemon pickle looks delish. Can I use citric acid for the extra lemon juice called for in the recipe. If so how much should I add and what stage? Thank you

Hi tried the lemon pickle and most delicious – but looking for recipe for jalebi that stays crispy.

Hi. Mine is a bit to salty. Any tips on how to make it less salty? How much salt should I use next time in cup or gram size? Tablespoon is different in some countries

I’m not clear on how many lemons total I need. If I cut up the four lemons, I’m assuming I need more lemons to juice, right? This looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it! Thank you!

5 stars
Good recipe, Swati. I used vinegar since I didnt have extra lemon. Also I used til oil. can we put mustard dal too?

Hi, could you tell me Pls 1kg lemons for salt and chilli powder in measuring cup OR in grams Pls. Thanks

nice pickle. so you used total 8 lemons, right?

Hello swasthi ji

My lemon pickle turned out a lil bitter than the usual pickle. How do i correct it ?

Thank you for your quick response.

Hey swasti ji , hope you’re doing well.
I made a batch of this lemon pickle and its summer where i live but very humid…for 3 days i have kept tha jar in sunlight for atleast 3 hrs.

Can i start consuming it from day 10 ?

Hi swasthi, how are u? Long time. I tried this pickle and followed the instructions but used Juice of one lemon less and kept In glass jar before 2 days and today Thought will add oil and chilli powder but there is full fungus in the pickle. Have to throw away right? Pls advise.

Oh ok. Will note this. Thank u. Ya discarded ? was smelling too. ?

5 stars
Hi Swasthi, your recipes look delicious! I wish I could download them on my phone as I live in a rural area and don’t have internet must of the time. Thank you for sharing your expertise and love of good food!

Hi,
I want to lemon pickle but here in this recipe u said lemon with thin skin is preferred. Here i got thick skin ones. Wondering how the pickle will taste if it’s made with this. Please help. Thanks.

I boiled the lemons for 10 minutes before the process cut them and covered it iwith muslin. Cloth I and put in the oven before the next procedure isi it okay

5 stars
I was preparing lemon pickle for the first time myself, followed this recipe, thank you for making it a success.

5 stars
Hi sneha thanks for this recipe… Sneha I did lemon pickle before one month but it got fungus so plz suggest any solution for this I hope my lemon pickle not be wasted thanks

Thanks for the lemon pickle. Do you have the recipe for nalla amla pachadi?

Recipe for butter chicken

5 stars
Thank you for the recipe. It turned out yummy. Just waiting for the lemons to soften.

Amazing