How to make flavourous Indian Pickles at home?

Indian cuisine is a varied and flavourful playground for the adventurous chef, with many local states having their own signature dishes. Aside from its many well-known spices, Indian food also uses Pickles as a way to add more flavour to these delicious dishes.

Pickles, also known as achar are a traditional appetizer in India, used as an accompaniment to various foods such as chutneys, fresh curries and fried snacks. T hey are used to add flavour and spice to dishes and are often served as a side dish or condiment. Pickles are usually made with a combination of vegetables, fruits and spices and can be either sweet, tangy or sour.

There are many different types of Indian Pickles, but some of the most popular include mango pickles, lime pickles, and chilli pickles. Each type of pickle has its own unique flavour and can be used in different ways. For example, mango pickle is often used as a condiment for curries or rice dishes, while chilli pickle is often eaten on their own as a snack.

Indians have a heritage of making homemade pickles, and every state has its own recipe for making pickles. Though ready-made pickles are now easily available in the market, there is something special about Homemade pickles. Achar masala is a spice blend that’s used in Indian cooking to add a tangy and spicy note to dishes.

What is Achar Masala?

Achar masala is a popular spice blend consisting of all the necessary ingredients required for making pickles. It can help make tangy and lip-smacking pickles with an authentic taste.

Achar masala is a key ingredient in making authentic homemade Indian pickles. It is a spice blend that typically includes cumin, coriander, fenugreek, mustard seed, turmeric, chilli peppers and other spices. Achar masala can be used to make a variety of different pickles, including mango, lemon, lime, chilli and mixed vegetable pickles.; To make a mango pickle with achar masala, first, wash and slice the mangoes. Then mix the mango slices with salt, chilli powder, mustard powder and achar masala. Heat oil in a pan and add the mango mixture to it. Cook for 10 minutes or until the mangoes are soft. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator. Lemon pickle can also be made using achar masala. Wash and slice the lemons thinly. Mix the lemon slices with salt, chilli powder, mustard powder and achar masala. Heat oil in a pan and add the lemon mixture to it. Cook for 10 minutes or until the lemons are soft. Remove from heat and let cool completely before storing in a clean jar in the fridge. Chilli pickle can be made by slicing fresh green chillies lengthwise and removing the seeds. Mix the chillies with salt, vinegar, sugar and achar masala. Heat oil in a pan and add the chilli mixture to it.

Ingredients of Ready-made Achar Masala:

The word masala means mixture, and achar masala is a mixture of spices that includes mustard seed, fenugreek seed, salt, red chilli powder, asafoetida, cottonseed oil, Salt and turmeric. This spice blend is used to make many different types of pickles, including popular mango pickles, lime pickles, and chilli pickles.

Achar Masala mix is also power-packed with health benefits, making them a healthy choice. The spices of achar masala like Mustard seeds are a rich source of selenium which is known to boost immunity. Fenugreek seeds contain fibre and minerals like iron and magnesium which are essential for good health and help to reduce blood pressure. Red Chilli Powder gives the necessary spiciness and colour to any pickle made from achar masala. Turmeric powder has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Helps to improve heart health and prevent cancer.

Why Ready-made Achar Masala is the favourite Indian Spice today?

Achar masala is not only helpful in making delicious pickles but also used as a seasoning for other dishes such as curries, vegetables, soups, salads, and parathas to give a zesty twist to boring food.

Easy preparation of Pickles at home:

Ready-made Achar Masala is a very easy method of making mouth-watering pickles at your home. All you need to do is to add your preferred vegetable or fruit along with oil and your instant pickle is ready to tickle your taste buds.

Very Convenient to use:

It offers a convenient way to add a fiery and spicy taste to dishes without having to measure out and mix individual spices and comes in user-friendly packaging. This spice blend is especially useful for those who are new to cooking Indian food or who do not have access to fresh spices. Preparing different pickles becomes very convenient and flexible.

A variety of Dishes can be made (Versatile):

We Indians love to add authentic desi flavours to everything we eat like chutneys and spreads. To make homemade chutneys, spreads, stews, curries, rice spicy and hot you can add achar masala mix to get tangy and tempting taste. It can go very well as a condiment with naans, chapati, theplas, and bread.

Strong Flavour:

Achar masala has a strong taste that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. Its bold flavour can bring an authentic and traditional experience to home made pickles.

Saves Time:

Ready-made achar masala also can save time. Preparing a spice blend for pickle at home will require grinding and measuring the spices which can be time-consuming, so buying a premixed powder can be a real time-saver. It is in powdered form which will also dissolve more easily in oil, which means your achar will be ready to eat in just simple steps.


Long Shelf Life and Easy storage:

Readymade achar masala has a long shelf life and can be stored and used for a prolonged time frame. To keep the flavours and aroma intact, you should keep it tightly packed after use and always use a clean and dry spoon while handling a pack of Ready-made Achar Masala.

Conclusion:

If you want to make authentic Indian pickles at home, Achar masala is the key ingredient you'll need. This spice blend is essential for giving pickles their distinct flavour and aroma, so be sure to add it to your shopping list the next time you're making homemade pickles. With achar masala in hand, you'll be well on your way to making delicious Indian pickles that will elevate any meal.