Introduction

What makes Indian cuisine popular in the world? Well, there are many delicious reasons! Flavours, aroma, spices, colours and richness of nutrients. According to an analytical report, data scientists came up with a prominent reason for the global popularity of Indian food, a blend of distinct flavours! It is something that is uniquely present in Indian cuisine. Indian food is incomplete without the flavourful attack of pickles aka Achars. When you taste a pickle, your taste buds get satisfied as you can taste all kinds of flavours that exist. An achar is a condiment of vegetables and fruits like Mango, garlic, carrot, lemon etc. The western condiments are preserved in vinegar or brine but Indian achars are preserved in rich mustard oil. 

This blog will help you find your way around making your own set of achars. Read along!

Common Ingredients for Achars (1 kg)

● 3 tbsp powdered mustard seeds

● 1 tbsp salt

● 1 tbsp chilli powder

● 1/2 cup Kachi Ghani mustard oil

● 1 Tbsp turmeric powder

● 100 gms fenugreek seeds (methi dana)

● 100 gms fennel seeds (saunf)

● 2 tbsp black peppercorns

Aam ka Achar (Mango Pickle)

Aam ka achar is not just any pickle, it is ‘the’ pickle. With its fruity, spicy and sour flavours, it dominates the realm of pickles in Indian cuisine. The best season to make it is summer, you can relish it with dishes like Dal chawal, stuffed parathas, Roti sabzi etc. Many people are not aware about the interesting benefits of this condiment. It has antioxidant properties, boosts immunity and helps in digestion.

If you want to make your own aam ka achar you can follow these steps:

● Add all the spices in a large bowl and add a cup of mustard oil. Mix it well.

● Take some raw mangoes and add them in the spice mixture.

● Now take a clean jar and put one layer of this mango mixture in it. Pour some more spice mixture on the first layer.

● Repeat it until the jar is full

● Give it ample sun for a week then store.

Lahsun Achar (Garlic Pickle)

Garlic is a prominent ingredient in many Indian and South Asian dishes which has been used since ancient times because of all the medicinal properties it has. It is known for its antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic properties. It can also improve the cognitive function of the human mind. It is because of these benefits that garlic pickle is getting popular around the globe as a side dish.

You can also create your own garlic pickle by following these steps:

● Heat some mustard oil, methi, chilli powder, kalonji and turmeric.

● Saute the mix and add the garlic.

● Stir fry the mix well until the garlic is totally packed with oil.

● Add vinegar and salt and give it a boil then let it cool down.

● Store it in an airtight jar.

Green Chilli Achar

Chillies have a special place in Indian condiments, especially in the Gujarat region. You often find green chilli achar with dishes like Dhoklas, Khandvi, Khichdi, Moong dal etc. It blends well with the rich flavour of Kachi ghani Mustard oil and takes your meal experience to a different level.

Make your own version of Green chilli pickle by following these steps:

● Marinate green chillies in salt.

● soak 100gm Imli in vinegar for a couple of hours. Extract the pulp afterwards.

● Heat the fresh mustard oil in a wide pan and mix the common ingredients.

● Pour the imli-vinegar pulp and mix well.

● Add sugar and cook on low heat for some time.

● Now add the chillies and cook for 10-15 minutes on simmer till the oil separates.

Amle ka Achar (Gooseberry Pickle)

Pickles are not just for summers, you can make some achars for winters as well. For example, the famous Gooseberry pickle or Amla Murabba. Amla is a healthy ingredient that is profoundly rich in Vitamin C and known for its benefits in improving liver and stomach function, keeping eyes, hair and skin healthy.

Make your own version of Gooseberry pickle by following these steps:

● Put the amla in water and boil for at least 15 minutes.

● Drain the water out.

● Heat some Mustard oil and add mustard seeds, heeng and chilli powder.

● Mix it well, add the amla and top it up with salt.

● Stir it well till you can see all the ingredients mixed well.

● Let it cool down and then store in a cool and dry place.

Gajar ka Achar (Carrot Pickle)

Carrot pickle is is a popular condiment with the Indian street food. Moreover, many people who make their own achars often use the fresh red carrots to make pickles for the season. It has a satisfying sweet and tangy taste to it. It is so easy to make that even a first timer can make it deliciously well.

You only need to follow these easy steps:

● Peel the carrots

● Chop them in small pieces as per your liking

● Mix the chopped carrot pieces well with the common ingredients

● Leave in the sun for around 14 to 15 days to get the best results!

Nimbu ka Achar (Lemon Pickle)

Nimbu Achar or lemon pickle is made in different ways throughout the country. You can find Nimbu Achar lovers in every Indian region. They all love it for its sour and tangy flavour. Many people mix it with ginger to enhance the taste.

You can follow these steps to make Nimbu achar:

● Cut each lime into four pieces

● Mix it well with salt, red peppers and 1 tsp asafoetida

● Transfer into a clean container.

● Give it ample sun for a month.

Achari Adrak (Ginger Pickle)

Just like garlic, ginger is also an important ingredient in the Indian cuisine. It also has many medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial properties. Moreover, it is also known for curing sore throat, congestion, cough related issues. Ginger pickle is a great probiotic that can help improve your gut health.

So, if you want to make this pickle with healing properties then follow the steps:

● Peel and chop the ginger as per your liking..

● Take a clean container and add ginger, vinegar, salt and lemon juice. Mix it vigorously.

● Let the mix rest for an hour

● When the ginger is a little pink, it means the pickle is ready to eat.

What can be better than having your own fresh homemade pickles to enhance your everyday meals. So, put your Chef mode on!