Every culture has its condiment used in and eaten with every meal. In America, that condiment is ketchup. Whether dipped, mixed, or cooked with, Americans find ways to incorporate ketchup into many dishes. It's a versatile condiment that can be found in every single home and restaurant. In India, it's Indian Pickles, a combination of sliced fruits and vegetables pickled in oil and spices that can liven and pair well with any dish, just like ketchup. For most Indian families, Indian Pickles are a dinnertime condiment staple.
What is a Pickle called in India?
Indian pickles, known as "Achaar," are popular condiments in Indian cuisine. They are made by mixing vegetables with bold spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and chili powder and then fermenting the ingredients in a brine of salt and oil to develop flavors over time. Each region of India prepares Achaar differently.
Common Achaar Ingredients
Indian pickles have different flavors and ingredients from region to region. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, pickles are spicier and made with unripe mango or tamarind mixed with garlic, ginger, and green or red chilies. A popular type of pickle is aam ka achaar, made from spicy green mango.
Other popular ingredients used in Indian pickles include gooseberry, lemon, lime, and carrot. A popular blend called pachranga or satranga, meaning 'five colors' or 'seven colors' respectively, includes pickled vegetables in mustard oil with whole spices such as fenugreek seeds and nigella.
What does Indian Pickle Taste Like?
Indian pickles come in different of flavors that can be sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and salty, that change by region based on how they are prepared. Indian pickles differ from American pickles because they are oil-based and use a lot of powdered spices, while American pickles are vinegar-based and use minimal or no spices and fresh herbs like dill.
Popular Types of Indian Pickles
Indian cuisine is famous for its rich and diverse flavors. Pickles hold a special place among the culinary delights, adding a punch of taste to any meal. Here are some popular types of pickles known around India:
Mango pickles: Mango pickles are a popular Indian pickle and they take time to make. They have a longer shelf like and are made with unripe green mangoes, which give them a tart flavor.
Achar: The chunky condiment takes like a tangy, sweet, and salty pickle eaten on its own or with rice, stews, or paratha.
Onion pickles: Indian-style pickled onions are well-known for their bright pink color and tangy crunch. Onion pickles are made with salt, chili, sugar, and vinegar.
Carrot pickles: Also referred to as Gajar ka achar in Hindi, are prepared with sugar, dried fenugreek, coriander seeds, hing, and oil infused with black mustard seeds.
What do you Eat Indian Pickles with?
Each state in India has its own way of making pickles. Pickles can be served in small amounts as a side dish and are meant to enhance the overall meal with their bold flavors. Pickles add a flavor to every bite and can make the simplest meals exciting and flavorful. Most pickles are use as condiments in traditional Indian meals like dal-rice, curd-rice, veg pulao, and roti-sabzi to add flavor.
What do you Eat Indian Pickles with?
Each state in India has its way of making pickles. Pickles can be served in small amounts as a side dish and are meant to enhance the overall meal with their bold flavors. Pickles add flavor to every bite, making the simplest meals exciting and flavorful. Most pickles are used as condiments in traditional Indian meals like dal-rice, curd-rice, veg pulao, and roti-sabzi to add flavor.
Chef Bombay's traditional cuisine pairs perfectly with Indian pickles to enhance your at-home Indian food experience. Meals such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, palak paneer, and Beef Vindaloo are complemented by the bold flavors of Indian pickles, elevating every bite and making the meal more flavorful and authentic.
Our Butter Chicken with basmati rice is made with tender pieces of chicken breast in a rich creamy sauce spiced with authentic Indian spices. This dish would be best paired with a mango pr stuffed chili pickle.
Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice is made with tender pieces of chicken breast in a perfectly spiced tikka sauce. This dish is best served with a mango pickle or lime pickle.
Beef Vindaloo with basmati rice is made with beef cubes in a rich vindaloo prepared with earthy spices, which is best paired with Vindaloo Curry pickles.
With Chef Bombay's frozen meal, you can enjoy Indian cuisine in the comfort of your home. It is already made and contains the tangy, spicy flavors of regional Indian pickles, which can add depth and authenticity to any of our meals.