A Yemeniyah's Recipes

Nothing says Aden like ‘Ushar [lemon pickles smothered in chilly sauce] ! It’s a condiment that we enjoy especially with Zurbiyaan or any rice with sauce for lunch.  I will be updating this post since I am putting it together as I make’Ushar–it’s sitting on my balcony in the hot sun as we speak. So, keep on checking and sharing your experiences making this beautiful condiment. I take advantage of the summer months to make this, but you can make it during winter as well. If you are going to make it in winter, keep the jar indoors in a warm place next to a heater. It will take longer but is still possible. But again the perfect time is summer. This makes a small jar.

You will need for a start :

1) 7 limes [preferably small]

2) 1 tablespoon and a 1/2 of salt

3) 1 tsp of ground turmeric

4) small jar

Wash the limes and let dry completely. Halve or quarter. Then sprinkle the salt all over them, then the turmeric. Make sure they are covered with this mixture–use your hands but make sure they are clean and dry or else it will rot. Then stuff in the jar and put the lid on tight and place in the sun. I put mine out in the balcony. After about a month or so, add some ground chilly paste . Just make sure it is not runny. Make it nice and thick. Add it to the ingredients and leave out for a week or so and then serve as a condiment with all your rice , meat, chicken and fish dishes.

Day 24 [add carrots, green chilly peppers, black seed and vinegar]

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This is usually served as an accompaniment to meals in Yemen in both the northern and southern parts of the country. It’s for those who like a little more spiciness to their food. Some of them take on a reddish color because of extra tomatoes [it’s a ratio thing], but I like  mine greener so I add more cilantro than I do tomatoes. With it we usually serve greens such as arugula, lettuce, green onions, radishes, daikon  usually washed and whole , but if they are too big then cut roughly into 3 bite sizes. You will need:

1) 1 roma tomato [preferably firm or else it will be watery]

2) 3 tbslp of roughly chopped cilantro [eye ball it]

3) one small green chilly pepper [less if you don’t like it spicy]

4) 1 clove garlic

5) salt to taste

6) 1/4 cup lemon juice

Blend all either in a blender for a smooth texture, or a food processor if you like it chunky. Pour into a bowl and serve as as condiment to your main meal.

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