The perfect Indian Achaar (Pickle) collection for my Dining Table

Achaar (Pickle) holds a special place in Indian cuisine due to its multifaceted role in enhancing flavors, preserving ingredients, preserving culinary traditions and contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the country.

Creating the perfect Indian achaar (pickle) collection for your dining table involves offering a variety of flavors, textures, and regional specialties to cater to different preferences for your family & friends.

Here’s a suggested collection:

1. Mango Pickle (Aam Ka Achaar): A must-have in any Indian pickle collection, mango pickle offers a balance of tanginess and spice. Choose a homemade or artisanal version for authentic flavor.
2. Lemon Pickle (Nimbu Ka Achaar): Another classic, lemon pickle adds a zesty, sour note to your collection. Opt for whole lime segments or chopped pieces for texture variety.
3. Mixed Vegetable Pickle: Include a mixed vegetable pickle to offer a medley of flavors and textures. Look for varieties containing carrots, cauliflower, and green chilies for a colorful and vibrant addition.
4. Garlic Pickle (Lahsun Ka Achaar): For garlic lovers, a jar of garlic pickle is a must. The pungent flavor of garlic paired with aromatic spices adds depth to any meal.
5. Chili Pickle (Mirchi Ka Achaar): Spice up your collection with a chili pickle made from whole green or red chilies. Choose a variant that suits your preferred level of spiciness.
6. Punjabi Mango Pickle: Add a regional specialty like Punjabi mango pickle to your collection for a unique flavor profile. The robust spices and mustard oil used in this pickle make it a delightful addition to any meal.
7. South Indian Gongura Pickle: For a taste of South India, include gongura pickle made from the sour leaves of the roselle plant. It offers a tangy, slightly tart flavor that pairs well with rice dishes.
8. Kashmiri Turnip Pickle: Introduce a touch of Kashmiri cuisine with turnip pickle. Made from tender turnips marinated in spices and mustard oil, it adds a refreshing crunch to your pickle spread.
9. Goan Prawn Pickle: For seafood lovers, a jar of Goan prawn pickle is a decadent addition. The combination of prawns marinated in tangy spices makes for a luxurious pickle experience.
10. Chhundo: Chhundo (Grated Mango Pickle) is traditionally made using the sun-drying method. It typically starts with the village folk grating large rajapuri fresh green mangoes into stocky large grated mango. Goes with everything Indian.
11. Assorted Chutneys: Alongside traditional pickles, offer a selection of homemade chutneys such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or coconut chutney to complement your pickle collection and provide additional flavor options.

By curating a diverse collection of pickles and chutneys, you can create a dynamic and flavorful addition to your dining table that appeals to a range of tastes and preferences.