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Top 10 Recipes to Revive the Magic of Homemade Achar

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Top 10 Achar Recipes

Achar is a word that is strongly etched in our childhood memoirs! Many of us remember the frenzy our moms and grandmas used to be in, when it was time to restock the pickle jars. As soon as the men and children were sent off to work and school, the women would get out the tarpaulin sheets or muslin cloths to sun-dry the tomatoes, lemons and mangoes, clean the chillies, hand-pound the spices, and busy themselves making achar for the whole family to enjoy. Summer, especially, was considered an ideal time to make pickles in bulk because the Sun cooperated completely, and the dry atmosphere reduced the risk of the pickles getting moldy during the curing period. Some pickles like the Amla Murabba, however, are made in the winters. It depends on when the seasonal ingredients are available.

How Achars used to be stored

Kitchens in those days used to have a small ante room, in which enough pickles were stored to last a whole year. The pickles were usually stored in large earthen jars, often as tall as a small child, with a cloth daintily tied over the lid to prevent dust or insects from getting in. The jars were breathable and kept the achar fresh for a long period, often a year or more! Many of you might have followed your mom into that room, on her expeditions to stir up the pickles or restock the smaller serving jars, because the room had a mystique about it, with the large jars and the enticing aroma of spices.

Times have changed, and we often buy pickles from the supermarket, but still the charm of homemade achar has not changed. Ever so often, we find ourselves drooling at the mere thought of homemade Lehsun ka Achar or Tamatar ki Launji! Achar making is a pleasure even today – in fact, it can be a great stress-buster amidst our busy schedule because it takes us on a jolly trip down the spice route.

Instant Pickles

There are pickles to match every need. When you are in a rush, instant pickles like the Carrot Pickle or the Bhindi Til ka Achar come in handy. These are easy to prepare, but make tongue-tickling accompaniments for Chapati and Paratha. As is expected, instant pickles must also be consumed instantly. You can, however, store them in the refrigerator for 2-4 days. However, when you have the luxury of time, you must try making traditional fare like the Punjabi Aam ka Achar, which requires sun-drying and curing. Since the moisture is removed from the fresh ingredients, sun-dried pickles tend to last for a long time, so you can opt to make larger batches of these.

Some spicy parathas taste best with sweet pickles! Sugary achars like the Sweet Lemon Pickle, Amla Murabba or Grated Amla Murabba work best for this. You will be surprised to see that many of these sweet pickles have no oil in them, but still they stay fresh for a long time, often up to a year, even without refrigeration! The sugar syrup acts as the preservative.

There are other pickles that fall somewhere between the just-mix instant ones and the long-process ones, like the Methi ki Launji and Tamatar ki Launji. These require a bit of cooking, but can be had immediately on preparation. You can look at it this way – here, cooking does the job of curing – helping to soften the ingredients and enabling the flavours to fuse. Even in this case, some recipes like the Methi ki Launji turn out to be quite simple, thanks to modern cooking equipment like the pressure cooker!

Oh well, as we said, times have changed. Long processes might have become short. Large earthen jars might have become small glass containers. Store rooms might have become shelves. Still, the charm of traditional homemade pickles remains evergreen, and lucky are those who have an opportunity to learn, enjoy and pass on this age old art of pickling. Achar, after all, is an indispensable accompaniment to any meal, be it a full three course fare, or a comforting meal of Moong Dal Khichdi and Curds! Parathas and Rotis, of course, would never be themselves without a couple of pickles to match! Sweet or spicy, quick or cured, sun-dried or salt-soaked, take your pick and make your own – because that’s the best way to enjoy achar.

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Top 10 Achar Recipes



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carrot pickle recipe | instant gajar ka achar | Gujarati, North Indian carrot pickle | with 18 amazing images. carrot pickle recipe is actually a instant gajar ka achar which is a North Indian carrot pickle. Here we have got you a delicious and a very simple carrot pickle recipe that is popular in Gujarat and North India. Pickles and achar are essential part of Indian meals. instant gajar ka achar have strength to enhance your simplest meals and make them flavorful. Pickle in a minute? Believe it or not, this yummy instant carrot pickle needs just a few minutes of your time. While people tend to think and assume of pickle making process as a long and tiring one, we offer a tasty and easy carrot pickle which can be prepared and relished in a jiffy. instant gajar ka achar is super quick and easy to make. Even an amateur cook cannot go wrong with this recipe. All you need to do is combine carrot, kalonji, split fenugreek seed and mustard seed, asafoetida, chili powder, turmeric powder and salt. Further, heat some mustard oil and pour over the carrot mixture. Mix well and your carrot pickle is ready to be relished! Make sure you use Indian or red carrot to prepare this pickle! To make the perfect instant gajar ka achar firstly buy the perfect carrot. Carrot should be firm, smooth, relatively straight and bright in color. Avoid carrots that are excessively cracked or bruised. You can serve the instant carrot pickle as a side dish with any meal. It will surely add a zingy flavor to your food. Gajar ka achar goes really well with theplas, parathas and low cal rotis. Enjoy carrot pickle recipe | instant gajar ka achar | Gujarati, North Indian carrot pickle with detailed step by step recipe photos and video below.

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lahsun ka achaar recipe | Punjabi lehsun ka achar | garlic pickle | with amazing 21 images. Here is a peppy garlic pickle that is sure to shake awake your taste buds! In this lahsun ka achaar recipe, the garlic cloves are flavoured with chilli powder and a special masala, made of four aromatic seeds and asafoetida. The procedure and method to make lehsun ka achaar is simple but all you need to be is patient to get perfect lehsun achaar. We have divided the procedure into 2 steps, the first one is to make the pickle masala. To make lehsun achaar masala, add mustard seeds into a mixture jar. Next, add crushed fenugreek seeds, sumin seeds, split coriander seeds and asafoetida, blend everything well till you get a powder. Further to make the achar, heat mustard oil in a broad non stick pan till the oil is smoky. Add garlic cloves. Add turmeric powder and mix well. Next, to add to the shelf life add lemon juice, chilli powder, jaggery to balance the spice. Mix well and cook for a while. Lastly turn the flame off and add the masala powder to the cooked garlic mixture. Cool the lehsun achaar and bottle in a sterilized glass jar. Store Punjabi lehsun ka achar in a cool dry place. garlic pickle is ready for the table in 1 week. This masala must be ground coarsely, in order to get the correct mouth-feel. Lemon juice adds a tangy dimension to this pickle, while jaggery imparts a mild sweetness, which helps to highlight the spicy notes of the special masala. Allow this lahsun ka achaar to cure for a week before serving. Serve this lehsun ka achaar as an accompaniment to pep up the main course or simply enjoy with your favourite rotis / puris / parathas. Enjoy lahsun ka achaar recipe | Punjabi lehsun ka achar | garlic pickle | with detailed step by step recipe photos and video below.

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3 ingredient sweet lemon pickle recipe | sweet nimbu ka achar | easy Indian lemon pickle | no oil lemon pickle | lemon pickle without oil | sweet lemon pickle is a brilliant Indian pickle that causes a burst of sweet and tangy flavours on your palate which is an all-time favourite, with fans spanning across generations! Learn how to make nimbu ka achar. The preparation of this no oil lemon pickle needs a bit of tact, but is not difficult if you follow these instructions properly. You need to begin with buying the best of lemons for pickle. Learn how to select lemons. To make 3 ingredient sweet lemon pickle, wash the lemons and wipe them dry using a dry cloth. Cut each lemon into quarters. Transfer into a clean, dry glass or steel bowl, add the rock salt, toss it well, cover with a lid and keep aside for 7 days. Make sure you toss it very well every day without using your hands or spoon. Transfer the lemon-salt mixture after maturing in a deep non-stick pan, add the sugar, mix well and cook on a slow flame for 22 minutes, while stirring continuously. Cool the mixture completely in the same deep non-stick pan. Once cooled, store in an air-tight glass container and use as required. The lemons and salt are allowed to mature for about a week. The salt here acts as a preservative and the maturing period is necessary for the lemons to absorb the flavours of salt. It is important to toss the lemons in lemon pickle without oil every day during the seven-day maturing period to avoid fungal growth. Later, when cooking the lemon-salt mixture with sugar, it is very important to follow the exact method paying special attention to the flame level and cooking time. A timer will be handy for this sweet nimbu ka achar! Once done, this easy Indian lemon pickle stays good for almost an year when stored in dry airtight containers. The colour of the pickle might change over time, but not to worry, the pickle will taste as fabulous as ever. Ideal to serve with Indian breads like Parathas, Rotis, Puris, Naan and Kulchas. Tips for 3 ingredient sweet lemon pickle. 1. Remember not to toss the lemons with salt with hands, as the warmth of the hands may cause fungal growth. 2. During the maturing period, you must also take care to store the pickle in a cool place away from heat, but not in the fridge. 3. After making, this pickle is best stored in a glass container and not steel canister. 4. Again after the pickle is ready, store in a cool place and always use a spoon to serve it. Enjoy 3 ingredient sweet lemon pickle recipe | sweet nimbu ka achar | easy Indian lemon pickle | no oil lemon pickle | lemon pickle without oil | with recipe below.

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methi ki launji recipe | fenugreek seed sweet pickle | Rajasthani methi launji | methi dana achar | with 29 amazing images. methi ki launji recipe | fenugreek seed sweet pickle | Rajasthani methi launji | methi dana achar is a unique pickle made with fenugreek seeds. Learn how to make fenugreek seed sweet pickle. To make methi ki launji, heat the oil in a pressure cooker, add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, red chillies, cloves and cinnamon and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds. Add the soaked and drained fenugreek seeds, 1 cup of water, jaggery, sugar, chilli powder, coriander-cumin seeds powder, raisins, dried mango powder, and salt, mix well and pressure cook for 1 whistle. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Switch on the flame and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Remove from the flame and allow it to cool completely. Serve with rotis or khakhras or rice. Roll a spoonful of the Rajasthani methi launji in your mouth, and you can recognise a variety of taste like bitter, sweet and spicy in it! You are sure to enjoy the delicate balance of flavours in this traditional preparation of soaked methi seeds, perked up with spices and powders, and balanced with sweet ingredients like jaggery and raisins. The bitterness of the methi dana is well balanced by the addition of spices like chilli powder, coriander cumin seeds powder and dried mango powder. Further jaggery adds a contrasting sweet flavour to fenugreek seed sweet pickle. The raisins, on the other hand, add a contrasting texture to this methi dana achar. You can savour it with rotis, khakhras or even rice, although the Rajasthanis typically relish it with hot puris or parathas. Tips for methi ki launji. 1. When you add water to the seeds, some will float up. So stir them with a spoon so they sink to the bottom of the water and will be soaked fully. 2. While soaked fenugreek seeds are used in this recipe, you can even opt to use sprouted ones, which makes the launji less bitter. 3. Add chopped jaggery and not whole as it blends easily with the other ingredients. 4. Cool the achar well before refrigerating. 5. This launji stays fresh upto 2 weeks when refrigerated. Enjoy methi ki launji recipe | fenugreek seed sweet pickle | Rajasthani methi launji | methi dana achar | with step by step photos.

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Everyday ingredients, minimal time, and least effort is all it takes to make this mouth-watering accompaniment! A simple tempering of seeds and a sprinkling of common spice powders moves the humble tomato from an ‘extra’ ingredient status into the limelight. Perhaps it is the right combination of ingredients with the appropriate quick cooking techniques, which retains – and even enhances – the tangy flavour of tomatoes so beautifully. Enjoy the Tamatar ki Launji hot and fresh, with your favourite roti.

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amla murabba recipe | amla ka murraba | with amazing 22 images. An invaluable winter preserve. Amlas (Indian gooseberries) are a major ingredient in several herbal tonics as they are reputed to be good for the liver, eyes and stomach. Amlas are the richest known source of Vitamin C. Amlas are abundantly available during the winter months. I actually buy a large quantity of this fruit each year to make amla ka murraba. Whole amlas simmered in a cardamom and saffron flavoured syrup is one of my personal favourites. There are several traditional recipes for making this amla murraba. Some soak the amlas in alum (phitkari) overnight whilst others sun-dry amlas. I find it easiest to cook the amlas in boiling water to get rid of all its bitter juices. The entire process takes about 2 to 3 days. First the amlas are simmered in a thin sugar syrup and left aside for 2 days during which the amlas slowly and gradually soak in the syrup. On the third day, the syrup is boiled again along with the flavouring to a thick honey like consistency and the amlas are added. The thick syrup helps in the preservation of the amla murraba and also complements the sharp and acidic amla taste. When preserved for a long period of time, the syrup of the amla ka murraba turns to a dark brown to an almost black colour and takes in all the goodness of the amlas. I am sure you will enjoy this amla murabba recipe as much I have enjoyed making it for you. Learn to make amla murabba recipe | amla ka murraba | with step by step photos below.

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bhindi til ka achar recipe | Indian bhindi ka achar | ladies finger pickle | with 22 amazing images. bhindi til ka achar recipe | Indian bhindi ka achar | ladies finger pickle is a no fuss, no mess instant pickle which can be a very classic part of any Indian meal. Learn how to make Indian bhindi ka achar. To make bhindi til ka achar, first make the Indian pickle masala. Combine the bhindi, lemon juice, salt and turmeric powder and mix well. Leave aside for 10 minutes. Add the chilli powder, sesame seeds and Indian pickle masala and toss well. Serve immediately. Store refrigerated in a glass jar or an air-tight container for upto 2 days. This Indian bhindi ka achar is one of the rarer pickles, not seen often. Crisp ladies fingers coated with sesame seeds along with pickling spices and mustard oil. Lemon juice added to the bhindi removes its stickiness and leaves it tart and crisp. The essence of this pickle is the use of Indian pickle masala. It is a part of Gujarati cuisine which can jazz up any pickle, not only with its colour but also flavour. Combination of split fenugreek seeds, split mustard seeds and mustard oil adds the perfect flavour and aroma. Though you can store this pickle for 2 days, it is best enjoyed as soon as it is prepared. Tips for bhindi til ka achar. 1. Store refrigerated in a glass jar or an air-tight container for upto 2 days. 2. Serve homemade athana no masalo with roti. Lots of Gujarati's have this with plain roti or bhakri. Enjoy bhindi til ka achar recipe | Indian bhindi ka achar | ladies finger pickle | with step by step photos.

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methia keri recipe | Gujarati mango pickle | raw mango pickle | methia keri nu athanu | with 25 amazing images. methia keri recipe | Gujarati mango pickle | raw mango pickle | methia keri nu athanu is a popular pickle from the land of Gujarat. Learn how to make Gujarati mango pickle. To make methia keri, combine the raw mango, sea salt and turmeric powder, mix well and cover with a lid and keep aside for 1 hour. Squeeze out all the excess water. Take a big flat round plate, put a muslin cloth on top and evenly spread the raw mango cubes on it and allow to dry under fan or sunlight for 1 hour. Keep aside. Heat the oil in a small broad non-stick pan on a high flame for 2 to 3 minutes or till it releases an aroma. Keep aside to cool. Combine all the remaining ingredients in a deep bowl and mix well. Add the dried raw mango cubes to the prepared mixture and mix well. Pour the mustard oil over the raw mango mixture and mix well. Put in an air tight container and keep at room temperature for 2 days and then refrigerate. Come summer and it’s time to stock up on pickles! So, don’t lose this opportunity to add a jar of tongue-tickling raw mango pickle to your pantry. Made of raw mango and a special, freshly-mixed masala, this is one pickle that will jazz up any meal. This traditional Gujarati mango pickle is sure to yield you the best pickle ever! However, never be in a hurry when preparing this pickle. Take time to complete each step properly. This popular methia keri nu athanu can be served as accompaniment to all Indian main course recipes. It also tastes great with khakhras, theplas and parathas. Tips for methia keri. 1. The raw mango cubes in this recipe are unpeeled. 2. While the salt usually added is table salt and is as per taste, for this recipe we recommend adding the mentioned amount of sea salt only. 3. Ensure to squeeze excess water from keri by squeezing them in between your hands. This is necessary as the presence of moisture makes the pickle mushy and also decreases its shelf life. 4. While spreading the mango cubes on a muslin cloth remember to not overlap them. Keep distance between the keris cubes so they dry well. 5. The best way to dry the raw mango cubes quickly is to place the keri cubes on a muslin cloth in sunlight. 6. Most pickles are made with mustard oil and so this recipe also makes use of it. But if you do not like the taste of mustard oil, you can replace it with any other oil. 7. The mustard oil has to be heated till it smokes on a high flame and then cooled down completely to get the perfect flavour of the pickle. 8. Chilli powder can be adjusted as per your spice level. 9. Once the pickle is made, keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place for 2 days and store in the refrigerator. This is for the keri to soak the flavours of the oil and masala well. 10. When you store the pickle in an air-tight container, some oil should float on top. This helps in preventing the pickle from spoilage. If you feel that there isn’t enough oil on top, heat some more and oil, cool it and add in the jar. 11. Always use a spoon to remove the pickle while serving. The warmth of the hands may be the cause of spoilage. Enjoy methia keri recipe | Gujarati mango pickle | raw mango pickle | methia keri nu athanu | with step by step photos.

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lemon pickle recipe | zero oil nimbu ka achar | no oil lemon pickle | zero oil pickle | instant lemon pickle without oil | with 22 amazing images. lemon pickle recipe | zero oil nimbu ka achar | no oil lemon pickle | zero oil pickle | instant lemon pickle without oil is a quick pickle that can complete most Indian meals. Learn how to make zero oil nimbu ka achar. To make spicy lemon pickle, boil 2 cups of water in a sauce pan and add the lemons to boiling water. Cover with a lid and keep aside for 5 minutes. Remove the lemons from the water and dry them on a kitchen towel or a muslin cloth. Cut the lemon in quarters, the turmeric powder and salt and mix well. Cover with a lid and keep aside for 10 minutes. Add the asafoetida and chilli powder and mix well. Serve immediately or store refrigerated and use as required. Lemon pickle is one of the best pickles ever produced. Its hotness and sharpness complements most Indian recipes. This simple instant lemon pickle without oil is devised for all those who love lemon pickles, but do not have the patience to wait till the pickle matures in the sun. Lemons combined with salt, chilli and asafoetida make this spicy enough to tickle your taste buds. In this no oil lemon pickle, placing the lemons in boiling water for 5 minutes makes the lemons soft – just perfect for the pickle. Enjoy this pickle with with rotis or rice of your choice. This zero oil nimbu ka achar is quick, completely oil-free and absolutely traditional in taste. Of course, there is little salt in this pickle, but it is a wise pick as compared other oil and sugar laden pickles. Tips for zero oil lemon pickle. 1. Cover with a lid for 5 minutes. The lemons will become soft. Don't let it sit for a long time as this will make your achar very mushy. 2. You can double the quantity of lemons if you want to make more achar. Your time in water will remain 5 minutes but you need to increase the spices. 3. Remove the cooked hot lemons from the pan and dry them. This will prevent the achar from getting fungus during storage. 4. We will be using unripe green lemons which you get in the market. They are a bit firmer and do well for making achar. The yellow lemons get very soft on cooking. 5. Store in fridge for upto 15 days. Remember to cling wrap the achar. Prefer to use a glass jar for storing lemon pickle. Enjoy lemon pickle recipe | zero oil nimbu ka achar | no oil lemon pickle | zero oil pickle | instant lemon pickle without oil | with step by step photos.

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Chillies come together with a unique blend of spices, giving rise to a tongue-tickling accompaniment for any meal. Whether dhoklas or khichdi, just serve a little of this Green Chilli Pickle alongside the dish to give it a fiery touch. A special blend of spices like soonth and carom seeds compensates for the reduction in salt, giving the same finger-licking effect as a salt-loaded one. This yummy accompaniment can also be enjoyed by hypertensive people, in limited quantities and only occasionally. A low-salt, low-sodium menu can also include other dishes like the Mili Jhuli Subzi and the Mooli Moong Dal .

Reviews

Top 10 Recipes to Revive the Magic of Homemade Achar
 on 27 Jan 20 05:46 PM
5

Top 10 Recipes to Revive the Magic of Homemade Achar
 on 18 Feb 17 10:28 AM
5

Behaad khubsoort lekha hai alaag alaag aachaar ke bare me. Sabhi aachaar mere manpasandida hai... Kas thur PE nimbu aur aam ka... Dynawaad Tarlaji.
Tarla Dalal
18 Feb 17 11:08 AM
   Hi Raveena , we are delighted you loved the Achar article. Please keep posting your thoughts and feedback and review the articles you have loved. Happy Cooking.
Top 10 Recipes to Revive the Magic of Homemade Achar
 on 24 Dec 16 02:01 PM
5