Mastering the Art of Pickle Preparation- A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Own Chopped Pickles

How to Prepare Achar: A Traditional Indian Pickle Recipe

Achar, a staple in Indian cuisine, is a flavorful and tangy pickle that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It is a perfect accompaniment to rice, roti, or any Indian dish. Whether you are a pickle enthusiast or just looking to add some zest to your meals, learning how to prepare achar is a must. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a classic achar using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients for Achar

Before you start preparing achar, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 kg of vegetables (e.g., ladyfingers, carrots, green chilies, or cauliflower)
– 2 cups of mustard oil
– 1 cup of white vinegar
– 1 cup of salt
– 1/2 cup of turmeric powder
– 1/2 cup of red chili powder
– 1/2 cup of fenugreek seeds
– 1/2 cup of cumin seeds
– 1/2 cup of fennel seeds
– 1/2 cup of asafoetida (hing)
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/2 cup of ginger paste
– 1/2 cup of garlic paste
– Fresh curry leaves (optional)

Preparation of Achar

1. Wash and clean the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the carrots if necessary. Cut the vegetables into small, even pieces.

2. In a large pot, heat the mustard oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and asafoetida. Stir the spices for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

3. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pot. Cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

4. Add the chopped vegetables to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the white vinegar, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, sugar, and curry leaves (if using). Stir the mixture well until the sugar and salt dissolve.

6. Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables in the pot. Mix well to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.

7. Reduce the heat to low and let the achar simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Once the achar has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Allow it to cool down completely.

9. Transfer the achar to a clean, sterilized jar. Ensure that the jar is dry and free of any moisture to prevent spoilage.

10. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. The achar can be consumed within a few weeks, but it tends to improve in flavor with time.

Now that you know how to prepare achar, you can enjoy this delicious Indian pickle with your favorite dishes. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own unique achar recipes. Happy pickling!