South African Lemon Pickle

Bright, bold, and bursting with tangy flavor, South African Lemon Pickle is a zesty condiment that takes your taste buds on a journey to the vibrant kitchens of South Africa. This traditional recipe combines sun-kissed lemons with a tantalizing blend of aromatic spices like mustard, cumin, and fenugreek seeds, elevated by the earthy warmth of turmeric and the fiery kick of red chili powder. A touch of sugar and a splash of white vinegar add a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, while garlic infuses its rich, savory depth. Perfectly marinated and cooked to perfection, this pickle softens the lemons into melt-in-your-mouth bites that pair wonderfully with flatbreads, curries, or rice dishes. Easy to prepare and ideal for experimenting with bold flavors, this make-ahead recipe only gets better over time, adding a bright pop of excitement to every meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 6 Lemons
• 3 tablespoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 4 tablespoons Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons White vinegar
• 6 Garlic cloves, minced

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly. Slice each lemon into small wedges, removing any visible seeds.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon wedges with salt and turmeric powder. Mix well and set aside in a clean, dry jar to marinate for 2–3 days, stirring once daily.

Step 3

After 2–3 days, heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds, allowing them to crackle for 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until it turns golden and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in red chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds, ensuring it does not burn.

Step 6

Add the marinated lemon wedges along with any juices released during marination to the pan. Mix everything well.

Step 7

Stir in sugar and white vinegar. Cook the mixture on low heat for 10–15 minutes, occasionally stirring until the lemons soften and the spices are well infused.

Step 8

Remove from heat and let the pickle cool completely before transferring it into a clean, airtight jar.

Step 9

Store the lemon pickle at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. The flavors will deepen over time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(750.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2152.9

Total Fat 211.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 21260.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.1g	0%
Total Sugars 59.5g
Protein 6.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 150.6mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 765.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.1%

Protein: 1.1%

Carbs: 15.8%