Nimbu Aachar (Lemon/Lime Pickle)

Aachar is the Indian style of pickles. A good aachar is hot, sweet, salty, and sour, adding a little of every taste group to the plate, and letting each person regulate the intensity of their meal.  You can buy aachar in jars at the store, but they are thick like tar, too salty, and loaded with preservatives. So, make your own.

This aachar is made with lemons and limes. Nimbu is the Hindi word for a lemon, though they use a different variety that is a little larger than a golf ball and is often green. As a substitute, we are using lemons and limes. Instead of vingear, the fruits are pickled sugar, salt, spices, and their own juices. After sitting in the sun for a few weeks, the peels become soft, and are eaten with the thick liquid.