Pickles (Achaar)

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Pickles, known as “achaar” in India, are an integral part of Indian cuisine, adding a burst of flavor, spice, and tanginess to a variety of dishes. Pickles in India are made using a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, and sometimes even meat or fish. Here are some popular types of Indian pickles:

  1. Mango Pickle (Aam Ka Achaar): This is one of the most beloved pickles in India. Raw mangoes are cut into pieces and marinated with spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chili, and asafoetida. They are typically sun-dried before use.
  2. Lime Pickle (Nimbu Achaar): Whole or chopped limes are pickled with spices like mustard seeds, red chili, and fenugreek. Lime pickle can be very spicy and tangy.
  3. Mixed Vegetable Pickle: This pickle features a mix of vegetables, including carrots, cauliflower, and green chilies. The vegetables are pickled in a spicy and tangy brine.
  4. Green Chili Pickle (Hari Mirch Achaar): Whole green chilies are often pickled with spices and oil, resulting in a spicy and fiery pickle.
  5. Garlic Pickle (Lahsun Achaar): Garlic cloves are pickled with a mixture of spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and red chili, producing a strong and pungent flavor.
  6. Onion Pickle (Pyaz Achaar): Sliced or whole onions are pickled with spices and oil, creating a sweet and spicy pickle.
  7. Ginger Pickle (Adrak Achaar): Slices of ginger are pickled with various spices, providing a zesty and pungent addition to meals.
  8. Kerala Avial Pickle: Avial is a traditional South Indian dish made with mixed vegetables and coconut. A pickle version is created by pickling these ingredients with spices.
  9. Prawn Pickle (Chemmeen Achaar): In coastal regions of India, you can find seafood pickles, like prawn pickle, made by pickling prawns in a spicy masala.
  10. Chicken Pickle: In some regions, you can find chicken pickles, where pieces of chicken are marinated with spices and oil, then preserved.
  11. Fish Pickle (Meen Achaar): Similar to prawn pickle, fish pickles are made with pieces of fish that are pickled with spices.
  12. Murabba: Although not technically a pickle, murabba is a sweet preserve made from fruits like amla (Indian gooseberry) or rose petals. It is sweet, tangy, and flavored with various spices.

Indian pickles are known for their diverse flavors and spiciness, and they can vary greatly from one region to another. They are usually enjoyed as a condiment alongside rice, bread, or as a side dish in a traditional Indian meal.