The Art of Pickling: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Homemade Achaar

Pickling is a great way to preserve food and add a tangy flavor to your dishes. Achaar, a traditional Indian pickle, is made by pickling vegetables or fruits in a spiced oil or brine. It is a versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to rice, dal, and other dishes.

What is Achaar?

Achaar is a generic term for Indian pickles. It can be made with a variety of vegetables and fruits, including mangoes, limes, onions, carrots, and cauliflower. The pickles are typically made in a spiced oil or brine that contains mustard seeds, turmeric, chili peppers, and other spices.

Health Benefits of Achaar

Achaar is not only delicious but also has several health benefits. The spices used in pickling are rich in antioxidants and can help boost immunity. The vinegar used in pickling is also a natural probiotic that can help improve gut health.

Want to add a tangy twist to your meals? Our pickling and fermenting guide is your ticket to a world of zesty flavors and healthy probiotic benefits. So gear up and get ready to spice up your kitchen and infuse your plate with the rich, delicious spectrum of variety of pickles.

Understanding the Basics of Pickling

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand the fundamentals of pickling. Pickling is a preservation technique that involves submerging fruits or vegetables in an acidic solution, typically vinegar or brine, along with spices and seasonings. This process not only extends the shelf life of the ingredients but also infuses them with unique flavors.

Take your first steps into the world of pickling and homemade achaar. With a little creativity, you can elevate your culinary creations and preserve the flavors of the season all year round.

How to Make Achaar at Home?

Savor the bounty of nature, anytime by learning the art of preserving seasonal produce for year-round enjoyment. Making achaar at home is easier than you might think.

Aam Ka Achaar

Here is a basic recipe for mango pickle/ aam ka achaar:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg mangoes, cut into cubes
• 1 cup mustard oil
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mangoes, mustard oil, vinegar, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and fenugreek seeds.
2. Mix well to coat the mangoes evenly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a sterilized jar and seal tightly.
4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 1 month before serving.

Tips for Making Mango Achaar

• Use ripe, firm mangoes for the best flavor.
• Sterilize the jar before using it to prevent spoilage.
• Store the achaar in a cool, dark place.
• Keep away from moisture.
• Achaar can be stored for up to 1 year.

Relish your homemade mango pickle as a side dish with dal-chawal, roti-sabji, vegetable pulao, aloo ka paratha.

Lime Pickle

Here is the basic recipe for nimbu ka achaar:

Ingredients:

• 10-12 limes, cut into quarters
• 1 cup mustard oil
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafetida powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the limes: Boil water and put the lime in the boiling water. Remove from flame and keep it aside for 5-10 minutes. Take the lime and wipe it with a dry cloth. Cut 1 lime into 4 pieces. Remove the seeds from the lime quarters and discard them.
2. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine the mustard oil, vinegar, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida powder.
3. Add the limes: Place the lime quarters in a clean, sterilized jar. Pour the spice mixture over the limes, ensuring they are completely coated.
4. Ferment: Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place. Allow the pickle to ferment for 1-2 months. The fermentation process will add a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a vibrant color to the pickle.
5. Store: Once fermented, the lime pickle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year.

Tips:

• For a spicier pickle, increase the amount of red chili powder.
• For a sweeter pickle, add a teaspoon of sugar or jaggery.
• If you prefer a softer texture, allow the pickle to ferment for longer.
• Always use sterilized jars to prevent spoilage.

Enjoy your homemade flavorful lime pickle! It can be used as a condiment with various dishes, such as plain basmati rice, lemon rice, coconut rice, curd rice, dal-chawal and chapati.

Different Types of Achaar

There are many different types of achaar, each with its own unique flavor. Some popular types of achaar other than mango and lime pickle include:

• Onion pickle
• Tomato garlic pickle
• Red/Green Chilli pickle
• Gooseberry pickle
• Garlic pickle
• Carrot pickle
• Cauliflower pickle
• Mixed vegetable pickle

Achaar Recipes

Check out our website, if you are looking for more delightful Indian pickle recipes. You can also experiment with different combinations of vegetables and spices to create your own unique flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade pickle are a great way to preserve food, giving a hot, tangy twist to your ordinary bland meal. Achaar is a versatile Indian pickle that can be made with a variety of vegetables and fruits. It is easy to make at home and can be stored for up to 1 year.

Recipe Inspiration

1. Traditional Mango Achaar: Tangy raw mangoes, spicy chili powder, and aromatic spices come together in this classic Indian pickle recipe. Click here for the Traditional Mango Achaar Recipe indepth.
2. Zesty Lemon Pickle: Turn ordinary lemons into a flavor-packed delicacy with this zesty lemon pickle recipe, featuring mustard seeds, turmeric, and fenugreek. Click here for the Zesty Lemon Pickle Recipe indepth.
3. Crunchy Mixed Vegetable Pickle: Create a colorful medley of pickled vegetables, including carrots, cauliflower, and green beans, seasoned with garlic, ginger, and mustard seeds. Click here for Crunchy Mixed Pickle Recipe indepth.