Authentic Lemon Pickle Recipe for Mediterranean Cuisine

Lemon Pickle — a mediterranean recipe (condiments and sauces) with 8 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

25

Total Time (min)

4

servings

137

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Lemon Pickle Recipe for Mediterranean Cuisine

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4 medium lemons (preferably organic)
  • 1 cup salt (coarse sea salt)
  • 1 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds (for tempering)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (for tempering)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for balancing flavor)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the Lemons

    Wash the lemons thoroughly and cut them into quarters.

    Use organic lemons to avoid pesticides.
  2. Salt the Lemons

    In a bowl, mix the lemon quarters with salt until well coated.

    Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients

    In a large jar, layer the salted lemons, turmeric, and optional chili flakes.

    Press down to release lemon juice.
  4. Prepare the Tempering

    In a pan, heat olive oil and add mustard and cumin seeds until they crackle.

    This enhances the flavors significantly.
  5. Finalize the Pickle

    Pour the hot oil mixture over the lemons in the jar and seal it tightly.

    Shake the jar gently to mix the ingredients.
  6. Fermentation

    Let the pickle sit in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.

    Shake the jar every few days to mix.
  7. Taste and Adjust

    After 2 weeks, taste the pickle and adjust salt or sugar if needed.

    Refrigerate after opening for longer shelf life.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Paleo, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free. Diet: Balanced, High-Fiber

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your mediterranean meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Lemon Pickle Recipe for Mediterranean Cuisine is a beloved dish from Mediterranean cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 25 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Mediterranean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lemon pickle can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories100kcal
Total Fat9gg
Sodium2000mgmg
Total Carbohydrates10gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars1gg
Protein1gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details