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Indian pickles are a staple of Indian cuisine and go beyond the vinegar-preserving concept familiar in the West. In India, pickles are made with mangoes, lemons, and chillies. They have a fiery, tangy taste that will please our taste buds. Indian pickles are a far cry from the usual spices and flavours. The pickles we’ve chosen will make you drool and astonish your senses.
What is Different about Indian Pickles?
There are some key differences between Indian and other pickles.
- Indian pickles, made in Western countries mainly using cucumbers, are made from various fruits and vegetables.
- Indian pickles contain a variety of spices, including cumin and cloves. These spices give pickles their distinctive flavour.
- Indian pickles are preserved in vinegar or brine to prevent them from becoming too acidic. This solution keeps the vegetables and gives them a unique taste.
- Indian pickles are great in many dishes, including samosas and tikkas. They also are used to make dal makhani or masala dosa. You can also use them as a topping for wraps and sandwiches. Indian pickles add a unique and delicious flavour to any meal.
- Indian pickles contain Indian spices, a great vitamin C and potassium source.
Different Varieties of Pickles
Gandal ka Achaar
Gandal ka achaar is a traditional Punjabi dish made by pickling long stalks, mustard greens, or gandal (green mustard), just before mustard seeds are harvested in December. The mustard in the pickle is a warming agent that keeps the family warm through the winter.
Carrot Pickle
Winters are made more beautiful with carrot achaar. This is a healthy winter dish. Eating carrot pickles to improve eyesight is a good idea. The carrot pickle in Andra Pradesh is spicy and tangy. Carrots are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers, which have many health benefits. Carrots are anti-cancerous, good for the heart and eyes, help control blood pressure, and keep you fit.
Ginger, methi seeds, and mustard seeds are commonly used in carrot pickles. Other common elements include spices like chilli, turmeric, and lemon juice. Pickles can be spicy or tangy, depending on your preference. It is beneficial to your health and taste buds to consume carrot pickles.
Beetroot Pickle
Beetroot helps to increase haemoglobin and cleanses the body. Only some people can eat boiled beetroot. Why? It will be consumed in a few minutes if served as a pickle. This pickle is delicious and easy to prepare. Beetroot cubes, along with water, mustard seeds, and peppercorns, are all you need. You also require sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, sugar syrup, and salt. Eat this pickle to make your meal delicious and healthy.
Mango Pickle
The mango pickle is India’s most popular all-weather pickle. Mangoes are the most popular fruit for pickles. They are blended with other ingredients to enhance the taste of the dish. Citric acid is high in raw mango pickles, which aids digestion, boosts immunity, promotes weight loss, and helps with heart and liver problems.
In our country, mangoes are available in almost all states. The recipe is made with raw mangoes and red chillies. It also contains sugar, authentic spices, and sugar. It is usually made in the summer but can be eaten year-round if preserved well. The fruity, spicy, and sour flavour makes it a great snack. Not only is it delicious, but you can also add it to your diet as a healthy option. Aam ka Aachar is a delicious dish with many health benefits—from boosting immunity to controlling blood pressure.
Lemon Pickle
Another famous pickle is the lemon pickle (also known as nimbu-ka-achaar). Lemons are sliced into small pieces and marinated in mustard oil, salt, and chilli powder. In some variations, lemon pickles may contain spices such as fenugreek cumin and turmeric. Lemon pickle can be sour or tangy and is usually served with rice and lentils. Lemons contain vitamin C and are suitable for your skin. It also helps to reduce body fat.
It is widely consumed in India and found in almost every Indian home. The pickle is a great way to boost immunity and enhance the food’s taste. You will feel like a king when you pair it with rice or poor. The sweet lemon pickle is made with lemon slices, jaggery, turmeric, and salt. Jaggery isn’t added to a sour pickle. Enjoy your summer meal with lemon pickle.
Mixed Vegetable Pickle
The mixed vegetable pickle is also called achaar (mixed vegetables). It is made of vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and turnips. The vegetables are cut into small pieces and mixed with spices, oil, and salt. Fennel seeds are the most commonly used spices in a mixed vegetable pickle. A mixed vegetable pickle is served with Indian bread like parathas and naan.
Amla Pickle
In India, amla pickles are very popular. Amla, primarily available in winter, is rich in iron and calcium and contains vitamin C. Amla Pickle is good for digestion, helps boost immunity, heals ulcers and liver problems, and maintains cholesterol. Amla pickle has a sweet, salty, and savoury taste. Amla, garlic, and mustard seeds are some ingredients for making amla pickles. Amla Pickle has to be a favourite.
Chana Methi Achaar
The pickle is made from chickpeas, fenugreek, and mustard oil. It is spiced with many different spices. This pickle has many variations, but mango is the most common addition.
Red Mirchi Pickle
Red Mirchi achaar is a spicy pickle made with fresh and thick red chillies and is a simple and easy recipe. This famous pickle from Rajasthani food is known for its hot and spicy taste. Red Mirchi Pickles are eaten with rice, parathas, or roti. This recipe requires red chillies that are fresh, tender, and thick.
Garlic Pickle
Garlic is not only a minor ingredient in Indian cuisine but also the star of garlic pickles. The garlic pickle is called lahsun-ka-achaar, a delicious, spicy pickle made with fresh garlic cloves. The garlic cloves are peeled, crushed, and mixed with spices and oil. Cumin, mustard seeds, and chilli powder are the most common spices in garlic pickles. You will experience a variety of flavours, from salty to spicy and sweet. The pickle goes well with Indian bread like roti and parathas.
Conclusion
Indian pickles reflect the rich culinary heritage of India. They are diverse and unique. The vibrant colours and aromas of the spices used to pickle, as well as the complex flavour profile characteristic of Indian pickles, are all worth tasting. Indian pickles come in a variety of textures and flavours. They are eaten all over the country. Each pickle has a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, and spices. They are a tasty accompaniment to any meal. Try one of these delicious and unique pickles the next time you enjoy an Indian feast!
