Lemon Chutney

A tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet Indian condiment made from sun-cured lemons, perfect to enhance the flavor of any meal.

Ingredients

• ½ kg lemons
• 250 g sugar (about 2 heaped cups)
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground big cardamoms
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemons

   • Wash the lemons thoroughly and wipe them dry with a clean cloth.
   • Squeeze out the lemon juice and add salt to it.

2. Soak the Lemon Peels

   • Cut the lemon skins into long, thin strips.
   • Soak the strips in the salted lemon juice and transfer them into a clean glass jar.

3. Sun-Cure the Lemons

   • Place the jar in direct sunlight for about 6 days.
   • Shake the jar every alternate day to ensure even softening.
   • Continue this process until the lemon peels turn tender.

4. Add Flavorings

   • Once the peels are soft, mix in sugar, red chili powder, ground cardamoms, and ground cloves.
   • Stir well so that the sugar and spices blend uniformly.

5. Final Sun Process

   • Keep the jar again in sunlight until the sugar completely dissolves and the chutney thickens slightly.

6. Store and Serve

   • Once ready, store the chutney in a clean, airtight glass jar.
   • This chutney stays fresh for up to a year if sealed properly.
   • Serve as a tangy accompaniment to Indian meals, parathas, or snacks.