India is a country known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. One of the most distinctive aspects of Indian cuisine is its pickles. Indian pickles, also known as achar, are a unique combination of fruits, vegetables, spices, and oil that are preserved in vinegar or lemon juice. These pickles are an essential part of Indian cuisine and are often served as a condiment with meals. [READ: Reliving My Childhood Memories with the Timeless Tradition of Indian Pickling in the Summer!]
There are many different types of Indian pickles, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular and unique pickles of India.
1. Mango Pickle
Mango pickle, also known as aam ka achar, is perhaps the most popular and well-known pickle in India. It is made from unripe green mangoes that are sliced into small pieces and marinated in a mixture of spices, salt, and oil. The most common spices used in mango pickle include fenugreek, mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Mango pickle is often sweet, sour, and spicy all at once, making it a delicious and versatile condiment.
2. Lemon Pickle
Lemon pickle, also known as nimbu ka achar, is another popular pickle in India. It is made by slicing lemons into small pieces and marinating them in a mixture of salt, chili powder, and mustard oil. Some variations of lemon pickle also include spices like fenugreek, cumin, and turmeric. Lemon pickle is often sour and tangy, and it is commonly served with rice and dal.
3. Chilli Pickle
Chilli pickle, also known as mirch ka achar, is a spicy and tangy pickle made from fresh green chilies. The chilies are first slit open and stuffed with a mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds, before being marinated in oil and vinegar. Chilli pickle is often fiery hot and is a favorite of those who love spicy food. [Green Chilli Pickle – 2 Ways | Zero Oil Pickle Recipe]
4. Garlic Pickle
Garlic pickle, also known as lahsun ka achar, is a pungent and flavorful pickle made from fresh garlic cloves. The garlic is peeled and crushed before being mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in garlic pickle include cumin, mustard seeds, and chili powder. Garlic pickle is often served as a condiment with Indian bread like paratha and roti.
Gongura pickle, also known as sorrel leaves pickle, is a tangy and spicy pickle made from fresh gongura leaves. Gongura is a leafy vegetable that is commonly used in Andhra Pradesh cuisine. The leaves are first blanched and then marinated in a mixture of spices, salt, and oil. The most common spices used in gongura pickle include mustard seeds, fenugreek, and chili powder. Gongura pickle is often served with rice and dal.
6. Mixed Vegetable Pickle
Mixed vegetable pickle, also known as achaari mixed vegetables, is a pickle made from a variety of vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and turnips. The vegetables are first cut into small pieces and then marinated in a mixture of spices, salt, and oil. The most common spices used in mixed vegetable pickle include fennel seeds, mustard seeds, and chili powder. Mixed vegetable pickle is often served as a side dish with Indian bread like naan and paratha.
7. Tomato Pickle
Tomato pickle, also known as tamatar ka achar, is a tangy and spicy pickle made from fresh tomatoes. The tomatoes are first chopped into small pieces and then marinated in a mixture of spices, salt, and oil. The most common spices used in tomato pickle include cumin, mustard seeds, and chili powder. Tomato pickle is often served as a side dish with rice and dal or with Indian bread like roti and paratha.
8. Ginger Pickle
Ginger pickle, also known as adrak ka achar, is a spicy and tangy pickle made from fresh ginger root. The ginger is peeled and grated before being mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in ginger pickle include mustard seeds, cumin, and chili powder. Ginger pickle is often served as a condiment with Indian bread like paratha and roti.
9. Carrot Pickle
Carrot pickle, also known as gajar ka achar, is a sweet and tangy pickle made from fresh carrots. The carrots are cut into small pieces and then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices. The most common spices used in carrot pickle include cumin, mustard seeds, and chili powder. Carrot pickle is often served as a side dish with rice and dal or with Indian bread like roti and paratha.
10. Gooseberry Pickle
Gooseberry pickle, also known as amla ka achar, is a tangy and spicy pickle made from fresh Indian gooseberries. The gooseberries are first boiled and then mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in gooseberry pickle include fenugreek, cumin, and chili powder. Gooseberry pickle is often served as a condiment with Indian bread like paratha and roti.
Bamboo shoot pickle, also known as baimbale che lonche in Marathi, is a spicy and sour pickle made from tender bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoots are cut into thin slices and then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, salt, chili powder, and other spices. This pickle is a popular delicacy in the North-Eastern states of India, especially Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
12. Jackfruit Pickle
Jackfruit pickle, also known as kathal ka achar, is a tangy and spicy pickle made from the unripe fruit of the jackfruit tree. The jackfruit is first boiled and then mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in jackfruit pickle include mustard seeds, cumin, and chili powder. This pickle is popular in North India and is often served as a side dish with rice and dal or with Indian bread like roti and paratha.
13. Hog Plum Pickle
Hog plum pickle, also known as ambade ka achar, is a sour and spicy pickle made from the fruit of the hog plum tree. The hog plum is cut into small pieces and then mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in hog plum pickle include mustard seeds, fenugreek, and chili powder. This pickle is popular in the Western state of Maharashtra and is often served as a condiment with Indian bread like bhakri.
14. Bamboo Shoot and Prawn Pickle
Bamboo shoot and prawn pickle, also known as baimbale che sungta lonche in Konkani, is a spicy and tangy pickle made from tender bamboo shoots and small shrimps. The bamboo shoots and shrimps are cut into small pieces and then marinated in a mixture of vinegar, salt, chili powder, and other spices. This pickle is a popular delicacy in the coastal regions of India, especially in the Western state of Goa.
15. Ber / Jujube pickle
Ber pickle, also known as jujube pickle, is a unique and flavorful pickle made from the fruit of the ber tree, also known as the jujube tree. This pickle is particularly popular in the North Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.
To make ber pickle, the fruit is first washed and dried. It is then cut into small pieces and mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in ber pickle include cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, and red chili powder. Some recipes also call for the addition of ginger and garlic for extra flavor.
16. Lungru Fiddlehead Fern Pickle
Fiddlehead fern pickle is a unique and flavorful pickle made from the young shoots of the fiddlehead fern plant. Fiddlehead ferns are a popular springtime delicacy in some parts of India, especially in the northeastern state of Assam. They have a distinct taste and texture that is often compared to asparagus or green beans.
To make fiddlehead fern pickle, the young shoots of the fiddlehead fern plant are first washed and blanched in boiling water for a few minutes. They are then drained and mixed with a blend of spices and oil. The most common spices used in fiddlehead fern pickle include mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and turmeric. Some recipes also call for the addition of garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
In conclusion, Indian pickles are a diverse and unique part of Indian cuisine, reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage. With a wide range of flavors and textures, Indian pickles are enjoyed across the length and breadth of the country. From the tangy tomato pickle to the spicy carrot and chilli pickle, each pickle is a unique blend of spices, fruits, and vegetables, providing a delicious accompaniment to any meal. So the next time you savor an Indian meal, make sure to try one of these unique and delicious pickles!
