Key Lime Pickle with Dates

Key limes are small, somewhat larger than a walnut, oval in shape with a thin yellowish rind . They are aromatic and very juicy,seedier, with a stronger and more complex acidic flavor than Persian limes.

This is a sweet , sour,salty and spicy pickle which tastes better as it ages .The lime has to become very soft for best taste.


Ingredients :

1. Key limes - 2 lbs (55 limes)
2. Garlic - 1 pod
3. Ginger - 1 inch piece chopped
4. Sugar - 1/4 th cup
5. Salt - 1/2 cup (plus more to taste)
6. Dates - 10 soak in 1/4 th cup vinegar and grind to a paste
7. Chilly powder - 4 tbsp
8. turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
9. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
10. Fenugreek seeds - 1/2 tsp
11. Oil - 1/2 cup

Method:
Boil water in a vessel turn the flame off and drop the limes into it and keep covered for 10 minutes.
Drain the limes and wipe them dry with a clean cloth.
Cut into 4 pieces and mix with sugar and salt and keep in a covered glass jar for 3 days.
Heat oil in a pan and add in the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds.
After it splutters add in the ginger and garlic and fry until it starts turning slightly brown.
Add in the ground dates and chilly and turmeric powder and stir fry for 2 minutes on low flame.
Turn the flame off and add in the marinated limes with juice and mix well.
Taste for salt and sugar - Add more to balance to your liking.
Store in clean dry jars.
The pickle has to sit for at least a month or more before you can use it. The longer it sits the better it tastes.