Nimbu ki Chutney — lemon chutney — is one of the most versatile condiments in Indian cooking. It is tangy, slightly sweet, and carries a gentle heat that makes it the perfect accompaniment to snacks, meals, and even street food. Unlike mango pickle which needs weeks to mature, a good Nimbu Chutney can be ready in minutes.
Two Styles of Nimbu ki Chutney
There are two popular versions across India:
- Khatti Meethi Nimbu Chutney — sweet and sour, made with jaggery or sugar, popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Teekhi Nimbu Chutney — spicy and tangy, made with green chillies and fresh coriander, popular across North India
We’ll cover both so you can choose your favourite — or make both!
Recipe 1: Khatti Meethi Nimbu Chutney
Ingredients
- 4 large lemons (nimbu), juiced
- 3 tbsp jaggery (gud) or sugar, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera)
- ½ tsp black salt (kala namak)
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
Method
- Warm the lemon juice slightly in a small pan. Add jaggery and stir until dissolved.
- Remove from heat. Add roasted cumin, black salt, red chilli powder, and regular salt.
- Mix well and taste — adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
- Cool completely and store in a clean glass jar. Refrigerate and use within 2 weeks.
Recipe 2: Teekhi Nimbu Chutney (Fresh Green Chutney)
Ingredients
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves (dhania)
- 2–3 green chillies (hari mirch)
- 1 small piece ginger (adrak)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
- Salt to taste
Method
- Blend coriander, green chillies, ginger, and cumin seeds with a splash of water into a smooth paste.
- Add lemon juice and salt. Blend again briefly.
- Taste and adjust — add more lemon for tang, more chilli for heat.
- Serve fresh or refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
What to Serve Nimbu ki Chutney With
- Samosa, pakora, or kachori
- Dahi bhalla or chaat
- Grilled or tandoori dishes
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Dal-chawal as a tangy side
How to Store Lemon Chutney
The Khatti Meethi version stores well for 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator in a clean glass jar. The fresh green version is best consumed within 3–4 days. Always use a dry spoon to avoid contamination.
Love Lemon Chutney? Try Ours!
At Tripti Ki Rasoi, our Nimbu ki Chutney is made in small batches using fresh lemons and traditional spices — no preservatives, no artificial flavours. It’s the taste of a home kitchen, delivered to your door. Browse our full chutney collection to explore more flavours.