MALTA LEMON / BADGAPULI / VADKAPULI PICKLE

A Kerala recipe, curry type pickle with malta lemon is a very important item on Onam Sadya. It has many names - Malta lemon, wild lemon, Big lemon, Kodu limbiyo . The lemon is basically very bitter in taste, to remove its bitterness some people remove its outer skin or the whole lemon is boiled with enough water and discard the water. But I did not peel its skin or I did not boil it in the water. I prepared the pickle at the time of Onam. And this pickle won't last for long, it should be refrigerated and consumed with in few days.

MALTA LEMON PICKLE

WHAT YOU NEED :

Malta lemon /Vadkapuli - 1 (it makes almost 2 cups pieces)

Chilli powder - 4 tsp

Green chilly - 1-2

Ginger - 1 inch, chopped

Jaggery - 1 tsp

Fenugreek seed / Methi seed powder - 1/2 tsp

Asafoetida - A big chana size piece or 1-2 tsp powder

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 1 sprig

Refined oil  - 1 tbsp

Salt - to taste 

BADGAPULI PICKLE- KERALA STYLE

HOW TO MAKE:

Wash the lemon first and wipe with dry cloth. Cut in bits and put a cup of water in it and boil till it is tender. Then keep aside.

Cut green chilly in rounds.

Heat oil in kadahi. When oil is hot add mustard seeds, when it splutters add curry leaves. 

Add ginger and green chilly, saute for few seconds. 

Then add red chilly powder, fenugreek seeds powder, jaggery powder and asafoetida. Stir well for few more seconds.

Now add boiled lemon pieces, salt along with 1 cup of water and mix thoroughly.

If needed add another cup water and boil over medium heat. 

Allow to cool down. When cool transfer in a jar, keep it outside for a day, after that you must store in refrigerator.

Serve Malta lemon / Badgapuli Pickle as a side dish.