Nimbu Chunda (Lemon Chutney) Recipe – No Cook and Oil-Free
If you love vibrant, tangy flavors that add a zing to your meals, then Nimbu Chunda, or Lemon Chutney, is the perfect accompaniment to your dishes. This traditional North Indian chutney requires no cooking and is oil-free, making it a healthier yet indulgent treat. The recipe uses simple ingredients, with lemons taking center stage. The natural sweetness of sugar combined with the heat of red chili powder creates a delightful balance, while the lemons provide the perfect amount of tartness.
Here’s how to prepare this easy and delightful chutney with minimal effort!
Ingredients for Nimbu Chunda (Lemon Chutney)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lemons | 350 grams | Adjust the quantity as per your preference, preferably lemons with thin skin |
| Sugar | 400 grams | Adjust the sweetness as desired |
| Salt | To taste | Add to your preference |
| Red Chili Powder | 2 teaspoons | Adjust to taste for spiciness |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 500 grams
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions for Nimbu Chunda (Lemon Chutney)
-
Choose Fresh Lemons
Begin by selecting fresh lemons with thin skin that yield easily to slight pressure. These are ideal for this chutney as they have a balanced sourness and a soft texture. -
Wash and Soak the Lemons
Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities from their skin. After washing, soak the lemons in water for about 8-10 hours to remove the natural oils present on the surface of the fruit. This helps enhance the chutney’s flavor and ensures the lemons blend smoothly. -
Cut and De-seed the Lemons
Once the lemons have soaked and dried, cut them into 4 pieces. Take care to remove all seeds to avoid any bitterness in the chutney. The lemon pieces should be small enough to blend easily. -
Grind the Lemons
Transfer the lemon pieces to a mixer or grinder. Pulse until the mixture is roughly pureed. The chutney should have a smooth consistency without any large chunks of lemon. This will ensure a well-blended texture for your chutney. -
Add Sweetness and Spice
Once the lemon mixture is pureed, transfer it to a glass jar or a non-reactive container (such as ceramic or glass). Add sugar, salt, and red chili powder to the mixture. Stir everything together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the spices are well-incorporated. -
Sun Drying for Flavor Development
Cover the jar and place it in a sunny spot. Let it sit in the sun for 10-15 days, stirring it once or twice each day with a dry spoon or spatula. This sun-drying process helps the flavors meld together and allows the chutney to develop a syrupy consistency. -
Ready to Serve
After 10-15 days, the Nimbu Chunda will have thickened into a syrupy consistency and the flavors will have blended beautifully. It’s now ready to be enjoyed! Pair this tangy and sweet chutney as a side dish with your main meal for an added burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Nimbu Chunda (Lemon Chutney) can be enjoyed as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including rice, roti, paratha, or even alongside grilled meats and vegetables. It pairs exceptionally well with Indian meals, offering a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and spice. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or using it as a condiment for snacks, this chutney is sure to impress.
Tips for the Best Nimbu Chunda:
- Choose ripe lemons: The fresher and riper the lemons, the better the flavor of your chutney will be.
- Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of red chili powder to match your preferred spice level.
- Consistency check: If after sun-drying, the chutney isn’t thick enough for your liking, let it sit out for a few more days until it reaches the desired consistency.
This Nimbu Chunda (Lemon Chutney) recipe is a great way to preserve the vibrant taste of lemons and enjoy them year-round. The best part? It requires no cooking and is completely oil-free, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals. Enjoy the natural goodness of lemons with this easy-to-make chutney that’s packed with flavor!
