Traditional Oil-Free Lemon Pickles Made in Mumbai
I craft these oil-free lemon pickles using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Made with fresh, juicy winter lemons and hand-ground spices, they offer the authentic, tangy taste of home without a drop of oil.
For those who prefer a healthier option, my Sweet and Sour Lemon Pickle is made with absolutely no oil. I use large, juicy winter lemons and a mix of spices with sugar or jaggery to create this delicious, tangy condiment. It's a perfect accompaniment for parathas and theplas.
A large batch of my oil-free sweet and sour lemon pickle, all bottled up. I love making a big stock of this in the winter when the best lemons are available. It's a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy pickle that everyone enjoys.
This is my Sour and Spicy Lemon Pickle, also made without any oil. It's a traditional recipe for those who love a purely tangy and medium-spicy flavour. I make this fresh batch using juicy lemons that I get during Mumbai's cooler months.
Here are the jars from a fresh batch of my sour and spicy lemon pickle. You can see the simple, clean preparation with just lemon pieces and spices. It's a pure, unadulterated taste that gets better with time.
My Black Lemon Pickle is a unique, oil-free creation made with a special blend of black spices like black pepper, black salt, and ajwain. The pickle gets its dark colour and complex flavour as it matures.
This image shows a freshly made batch of black lemon pickle. Over a few days, the lemons will absorb the dark masala and the colour will deepen significantly. This pickle is known to get better as it ages, sometimes for years.
A closer look at the texture of the black lemon pickle. The lemon pieces are coated in a thick, dark masala. It's a sour and medium-spicy pickle that is a traditional Rajasthani delicacy.
A freshly packed order of my black lemon pickle, sealed and ready to go. This pickle is traditionally matured in earthen jars for years to develop its signature dark colour and deep flavour.
About Oil-Free Lemon Pickles (Bina Tel ka Nimbu Achaar)
My oil-free process relies entirely on the natural juices of the lemon reacting with salt and spice over time. Because I skip the oil, these pickles have a lighter, sharper profile that works beautifully with daily parathas or theplas, especially for those looking to keep their meals a bit lighter.
How I Make Oil-Free Pickles
Unlike commercially available pickles that use oil as a preservative barrier, my method relies on the traditional practice of sun-curing and patience. I use earthen jars, or barnis, which help the lemon interact with the spices naturally. It is a slow process, but it ensures that the raw, zesty flavour of the fruit stays intact.
The Varieties
- Sweet and Sour: I use high-quality sugar or jaggery to balance the natural tartness of the winter lemons. It is a family favourite that hits the right balance between tangy and sweet.
- Sour and Spicy: This is for those who prefer the classic, sharp taste of lemon pickle. I use a blend of traditional spices that highlights the lemon rather than overpowering it.
- Black Lemon Pickle: A unique Rajasthani-inspired recipe. By using a mix of black spices like black salt, black pepper, and ajwain, the pickle matures into a dark, complex delicacy that only gets better with age.
Storage Tips
Since these pickles have no artificial preservatives or extra oil to act as a barrier, I recommend using a clean, dry spoon every time you serve. Keeping the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct moisture will keep the flavours fresh for months. If you are ordering for travel, just let me know, and I will pack them securely.
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