Indian pickles (achaar) aren't just side dishes - they reflect the depths of Indian culinary tradition. We also connect to them emotionally; they give us a sense of belonging and remind us of playing at grandma's terrace on a summer afternoon. To master this ancient art that has been passed down from generation to generation takes a lot of patience and the right ingredients.
No matter what part of India you visit, you will undoubtedly find a different type of pickle unique to that particular region. Let's have a look at the most famous ones:
Raw Mango Pickle:
When it comes to Indian pickles, mango pickle is undoubtedly the most loved in India. Right? Besides aiding digestion and improving immunity, raw mango pickles also help in weight loss and are beneficial for heart and liver ailments. Usually, preparation involves ingredients such as red chilli powder, turmeric powder, nigella seeds (kalonji), fenugreek seeds, oil, etc. Pickles made from mangoes can be sweet, spicy, or tangy.
Bamboo Pickle:
Bamboo pickle is a speciality in northeast India but is popular throughout the country. A combination of indigenous Indian spices and oil is used to prepare bamboo shoot pickles, where shoots are edible parts of the bamboo. With a subtle flavour, a crunchy texture, and an enticing aroma, it is undoubtedly a unique dish to try.
Lemon pickle:
Lemon pickle, known as Nimbu ka achaar, can be prepared in sweet, tangy, or spicy flavours. Many parts of the nation add roasted and ground mustard seeds to make them more flavourful. Lemon pickle is rich in Vitamin C and iron, which helps with digestion. The lemon pickle is a must-have addition to any Indian meal, whether dal chawal or curd rice.
Green Chilli Pickle:
Green Chilli is an integral part of an Indian kitchen. Those who love spicy Indian food will love chilli pickles, too. Nutrient-rich and fat-free, it helps enhance your health and has zero calories. Their spicy and tangy taste is derived from lemon juice, mustard seeds, and other flavorful seasonings.
Mixed Pickle:
It is another famous Indian pickle, prepared by mixing various vegetables and spices perfectly. One of the favourite combinations is cauliflower, carrot, and turnip (shaljam) achaar, made with the fresh produce of winter. The pickle is commonly made by the families of North Indian states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.
Carrot Pickle:
Carrot pickle has a crunchy texture and tangy, spicy, and salty taste with a hint of carrot's natural sweetness. In addition to beta-carotene and vitamin B6, carrots also contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Carrot pickle is one of the special winter dishes, just like Gajar Ka Halwa. Indian spices like kalonji, split fenugreek, mustard seeds, asafoetida, chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt are used to make this pickle at home.
We have only talked about a few achaars of India, but many more are on the list. After reading this blog, if you're craving some desi achaar, we've got homemade pickles for you. You can order it and enjoy some authentic desi flavours.