NIMBU MASALA!

Nimbu Masala made of yellow Lemons, is my contribution to Nupur from 'One Hot Stove" blog's "A to Z Indian Vegetables" 's event.This week's letter is "N", thanks for hosting Nupur!:)


Lemons:
Nimbu means Lemons or Limes in Hindi.I am using thick skinned yellow lemons in this dish which are less bitter and has lot of pulp to make the dish substantial.Savor the spicy lemony Nimbu Masala!



The lemons are used primarily for their juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, primarily in cooking and baking.Lemon juice is about 5% acid,which gives lemons a sour taste.Lemons contain unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.In Ayurvedic medicine(India) that a cup of hot water with lemon juice in it tonifies and purifies the liver and is high in Vitamin C.More info here.





Nimbu Masala:
Do not use green Limes for this dish.Limes have thin very bitter skin which will not taste good when cooked.You must use Lemons with thick yellow skin with pulp to make delectable Nimbu masala.



I don't how many of you know about this Nimbu masala, but I love making this dish which I found in one of my old cookbooks and often serve with Parathas. It's deliciously soft and tangy and spicy,tastes divine with thick layered parathas or as a side dish with rice. I really hope you do give it try!:))


You need:

3 large Lemons,1 large onion minced,salt and 1/2 tsp sugar as optional.
To roast and grind:1 1/2 tbsp Coriander seeds,1 tsp cumin seeds,1 tsp Mustard seeds, 2 dry red chilies,4 tbsp dry coconut, and grind with 1" ginger,2 small garlic,1/2 an Jalapeno,few curry leaves.
To season: 1tbsp oil,1/2 tbsp butter,1/2 tsp mustard seeds,curry leaves,1 dry chilly,pinch of hing and 1/4 tsp turmeric.


How to make it:



Cut Lemons as shown to smaller pieces,put them all in a bowl with water,microwave for 10 mins on high.Drain all the water to take the bitterness out of the lemons.Keep aside.Roast all masala ingredients and grind with the rest as above until a smooth paste with little water.Keep aside.





Heat oil and butter,add all the seasoning first as said above.Add minced onion and fry until reddish and then add the ground masala,saute for few mins.Add in half cooked Lemons and simmer for 15mins or until sauce thick and oil shows on top.Adjust the salt and chilli pd.You could add 1/2 tsp sugar if you like but not necessary.That's it!! You can keep it in the fridge for 3 days, not more than that because of the Coconut.



Delicious Nimbu masala with Parathas:



Enjoy and have a great weekend. Watch out for some useful tips and tricks using Lemons or Limes next week!:))