Indian Pickles and Chutneys

In those glass jars, we preserve much more than just pickles. We preserve a history of recipes, a tradition that people follow and a culture that people embrace. Pickles and chutneys are a small but inseparable part of our meals. They have an audacious taste and can make any mundane meal delicious.

The similarity between pickles and chutneys is that both of them are equally celebrated and eaten by Indian people. Every region has different recipes and uses different ingredients while making them. This makes them versatile and loved by all. However, they can never be a substitute to each other. Pickles and chutneys are altogether two separate things. Let’s get to know a thing or two about each of them individually.

Pickles are a condiment with rich flavours blasting in. Ever since childhood we are aware of the pickle-making tradition at home and how the whole family enjoys it. Raw mangoes are cut in bulk, marinated, and then left to dry in the sun. Then they are mixed with spices and oils to make the pickle. Different types of pickles are made with varying ingredients. Depending upon your preference, you can make pickles that taste sweet, sour, or spicy. They taste great either way. With time, people have come up with their own version of pickles and the result being the availability of various varieties in the market. The list starts from mango pickle, mixed pickle, lemon pickle, Katki pickle, Murrabo pickle, chhundo pickle and doesn’t seem to end. Along with being an appetizer that is known for its flavour and taste, it also has health benefits. 

Health Benefits of Pickles:

• It improves digestion and supports weight loss.
• It helps to reduce muscle cramps
• It relieves body pain and clears congestion
• It also reduces blood cholesterol

Chutneys on the other hand, are the tangy and spicy Indian versions of sauces. They are made by grinding ingredients like garlic, tamarind, coconut, etc. and mixing them with spices and masalas. Indian snacks and street food is incomplete without chutneys. People are crazy about their flavour and taste. They complement Indian meals so well that now it’s a norm to serve them with the chutney. There are thousands of chutney recipes, each region of India accepting their own. Each one has one main ingredient that dominates the taste. Garlic chutney, Tamarind chutney, Schezwan chutney, Coconut chutney, green chili chutney, etc. are some of the most popular choices.

They are full of flavour and are simply meant to be able to enjoy the food they are served with. However, they also provide health benefits that most people don’t know about.

Health Benefits of Chutney:

• It helps to overcome respiratory problems
• It helps in lowering blood cholesterol
• It consists of many nutrients and antioxidants
• It helps with digestion

While pickles go amazingly with North Indian cuisine, they can be also eaten with Indian bread i.e. roti, Paratha, rotla, etc. Chutneys go well with street food like Samosa, kachori,  Dahi puri, Pani Puri, Sev Puri. Evidently, pickles and chutneys are ornamental in Indian cuisine.

Summing it up
By reading this blog if your mouth is watering and you are badly craving for some chutney or pickles then you don’t have to worry about making them or going to the store to buy them. You can search for chutneys and pickles online and buy the one that is made with fresh vegetables/fruits and purest spices.