admin If you love Indian food, then you definitely know that no meal is complete without adding a spoonful of an Indian pickle to the plate. This naturally preserved mixture of vegetables and fruits, often picked in salt, oil, and Indian masala blends, adds a sweet, tangy, and spicy punch to your food.
The Indian achar masala adds flavor, tanginess, and spiciness, while its preservative properties ensure a long shelf life, sometimes up to 5 years. Whether it’s an aloo paratha, authentic Rajasthani thali, or Gujarati cuisine, Indian pickles will always find their place in the thali.
But if you think Indian pickles are limited to just lemon, mango, and amla, then get ready for a surprise. There are countless versions of the Indian pickle. And today, we will talk about the 10 tangiest and tastiest Indian pickle types that will leave you drooling for more. So, come on, let’s get started!
What is an Indian Pickle?
An Indian Pickle, popular as Achaar, is one of the favorite condiments in Indian cuisine that enhances the taste of any meal. Made by the natural process of fermenting vegetables or fruits in salt, oil, and other spices like mustard seeds, chili powder, and fenugreek, Indian pickles are world-recognized for their unique and aromatic flavors. The fermentation process adds richness and flavor to it over time.
Pickles aren’t the main dish but a side, which are often served in small quantities just to add flavor to the meal. They can be served together with parathas, curries, rice, and soups.
This naturally fermented Indian condiment isn’t just tasty but holds a number of health benefits. They contain essential minerals and vitamins, including A, C, and K. it is also the best anti-oxidant source.
List of the Best Indian Pickle Types
Here, we have curated a list of the most popular and tastiest Indian pickle types you should try. So, here we go!
#1. Mango Pickle
“Aam ka Achar,” or mango pickle, is a must-have in Indian cuisine. It is a true representation of India’s diverse culinary traditions. Made from raw mangoes with unique tanginess, this pickle’s taste lies in the blend of spices that infuse it with rich flavors.
Mango pickles not only taste great but also have health benefits. They can help with digestion, gut health and reduce inflammation. Maharashtra is famous for some of the best mango pickles in India. The region offers different types of mango pickles made from locally grown mangoes. If you are a fan of pickles, you will find some of the best varieties here.
#2. Lemon Pickle
Lemon pickle, or ‘Nimbu ka Achar,’ is a beloved part of Indian cuisine. It’s known for its perfect balance of zestiness and tanginess that really wakes up your taste buds. Made by marinating lemon wedges, it pairs wonderfully with various Indian dishes.
The sweet and tangy lemon pickle is popular all over India, but it is especially cherished in Maharashtra. The tangy flavor of the lemon pickle complements dishes like Sol Kadhi, Bharli Vangi, and Sabudana Khichdi perfectly.
Besides its delightful taste, lemon pickle also offers health benefits. Lemons are alkaline and help maintain a good pH balance in your body.
#3. Indian Hog Plum Pickle
Indian Hog Plum, known as “Amtekai” in South India, has a unique sweet and sour taste. This fruit is sliced and then pickled with spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and red chili powder.
After fermenting for a few days, the pickle develops its special flavor. Amtekai pickle is a popular condiment in South Indian cuisine. It is often enjoyed with dishes like Appam, Puttu, and Neer Dosa.
Besides being tasty, this pickle offers health benefits too. It is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, which can help boost immunity. It may also have antioxidant properties, which are good for overall health.
#4. Amla Pickle
Amla pickle, made from Indian gooseberries, is a popular pickle in India. These small, green fruits are mixed with traditional spices and oil to create a delicious condiment. Each state in India has its own special way of making it.
Amla pickle is known for its tangy and slightly bitter taste. It goes well with dishes like Khichdi, Thepla, and Khandvi. Not only does it add a tasty flavor to meals, but it also provides a good amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients can help boost immunity and promote overall health.
#5. Chilli Pickle
Chilli pickle, also known as “Mirchi ka Achar” in India, is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors. This hot condiment is made from whole green or red chilies, creating an intense burst of heat and taste.
Rajasthani chili pickles, known as Lal Mirch Ka Achaar, are especially famous for their fiery and aromatic flavor. They are best enjoyed with traditional dishes like Daal Baati Churma, Kadi, Gatte Ki Sabzi, and Papad Ki Sabzi.
Besides adding a spicy kick to your meals, chili pickles may offer health benefits. They are believed to boost metabolism, which can be helpful for digestion and weight management.
#6. Haldi Root Lemon Pickle
This one is for all the health-conscious pickle lovers looking to try something new. Haldi Root Lemon Pickle is a fantastic option, packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It’s a perfect addition to a hot paratha, and you can also add a teaspoon of this pickle to rice kanji and buttermilk for a burst of flavor. This pickle is excellent for the gut as it is rich in probiotics. Fresh turmeric lemon pickle is also a powerful immunity booster.
#7. Imli Pickle
Tamarind, also known as Imli pickle, is one of the tangiest and tastiest pickles you can add to your meal. It is packed with vitamin C and has a unique tangy-sweet flavor, making it stand out from other pickles like lemon.
Imli pickle is very popular in South Indian cuisine. People love to pair it with dishes like curd rice, dosas, idlis, and sambar. Not only does it add a burst of flavor to these dishes, but it also offers health benefits. Tamarind pickle aids digestion, provides antioxidants, and helps stimulate the appetite.
#8. Onion Pickle
You might have seen jars of whole onions soaking in pink brine at home or in restaurants – these are onion pickles, a favorite in Indian cuisine enjoyed for generations. The preparation of onion pickles can vary. Some methods involve adding spices and fermenting them, while others involve thinly slicing onions and soaking them in vinegar and sugar.
Onion pickles are usually served with traditional North Indian thali, but they are loved everywhere for their unique taste and health benefits. Onions are rich in antioxidants, which help with digestion and stimulate appetite.
#9. Bamboo Shoot Pickles
Bamboo shoot pickles are a great choice if you want to try something new and exciting. These pickles are a special delicacy from Northeastern India, made from tender bamboo shoots that are common in the region.
The bamboo shoots are pickled with a mix of spices and seasonings, giving them a unique and delicious taste. They are especially tasty when enjoyed with dishes like Thukpa, Eromba, and Galho.
Not only are bamboo shoot pickles delicious, but they are also healthy. They are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins, making them a perfect addition to your meal.
#10. Pineapple Pickle
Pineapple pickle is a beloved delicacy in many parts of India, especially in the southern states and coastal regions. States like Kerala and Karnataka, known for their abundant pineapple cultivation, are famous for their delicious pineapple pickles.
These pickles are a wonderful addition to dishes like Bisi Bele Bath, Avial, and Chicken Curry. The sweet taste of the tropical fruit combined with the spicy and tangy flavors of Indian pickling spices makes pineapple pickles a favorite in these regions.
They add a burst of flavor to meals and capture the essence of traditional Indian cuisine with their unique taste and preparation methods. Pineapple pickles are a delightful way to enjoy the rich, aromatic and spicy flavors of Indian cooking.
5 Indian Pickle Health Benefits You Didn’t Knew Before
Indian pickles are packed with good health benefits, and some have even been used for their medicinal properties for a long time. Here are some of the health benefits of Indian Pickle (Achaar) you should know before consuming them:
#1. Source of Probiotics
Eating pickles can help protect you from digestive problems. Fermented foods, like pickles, are considered probiotic superfoods. They are full of beneficial bacteria that can improve your gut microbiome’s health and support healthy gut bacteria’s growth.
Choosing fermented pickles over vinegar-pickled ones can give you more benefits. Fermented pickles offer maximum advantages for your digestive system and overall gut health.
#2. Contains Antioxidant
Antioxidants help protect human body from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells. Antioxidants work to neutralize these molecules and keep our cells healthy.
One great way to get more antioxidants in your diet is by eating pickles made from unripe and raw fruits and vegetables. When these ingredients are pickled, they are stored without being cooked, which helps them keep their antioxidant properties. Because of this, pickles are rich in antioxidants.
These antioxidants help fight free radicals and can potentially slow down the ageing process. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, like pickles, can help protect us from the harmful effects of cellular metabolism.
#3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Indian pickles, or Aachar, often include a variety of leafy greens such as coriander, fenugreek, mint, and curry leaves. These greens are packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals that are sometimes missing from our regular diets.
Leafy greens in pickles provide vitamins like C, A, and K, as well as important minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.
By adding Aachar to your meals, you can boost your daily intake of these essential vitamins and minerals. Not only do pickles add a burst of flavor to your food, but they also help body gets the nutrients.
#4. Protects Liver
Indian pickles, especially those made from Gooseberry and Amla, have special properties that protect the liver from damage. These pickles are known for their hepatoprotective benefits, which means they help shield the liver from harm.
Eating these pickles regularly can help reduce liver damage. Gooseberry and Amla are rich in nutrients and have long been used in traditional medicine for their health benefits. They conatin a good source of antioxidants, which can help fight off harmful substances and support liver health.
#5. Builds Immunity
Turmeric powder is usually added to Indian pickles. Turmeric contains Curcumin, a scientifically-proven compound known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin helps the body fight off bacteria and viruses.
Besides keeping infections at bay, Curcumin also boosts brain health. It increases the growth hormone levels called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is important for brain function and can help combat issues like Alzheimer’s disease and depression.
How to Make Indian Pickle?
Although most Indian pickles follow a similar preparation method, so we are here to share a typical Indian pickle recipe to make you understand the general process.
For your assistance, here’s a mango pickle recipe (Aam ke Achaar recipe):
Ingredients:
- Raw mangoes (1 kg)
- Salt (100 grams)
- Turmeric powder (2 tablespoons)
- Red chili powder (2 tablespoons)
- Mustard seeds (50 grams)
- Fenugreek seeds (25 grams)
- Oil (250 ml, preferably mustard oil)
Preparation:
- Wash the raw mangoes thoroughly and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Cut the mangoes into small pieces and remove the seeds.
- Mix all the mango pieces with turmeric powder and salt in a large bowl. Let it sit for a day.
- Roast the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds in a pan until they are fragrant.
- Grind these roasted seeds into a coarse powder.
- Add the ground spices and red chili powder to the mango pieces.
- Heat the mustard oil until it reaches a smoking point, and then let it cool.
- Pour the cooled oil over the mango and spice mixture. Mix well.
- Now, put all the pickles in a clean, dry jar. Seal it tightly.
- Let the pickle mature for about a week before eating.
Conclusion
This informative write-up will help you learn about the different types of Indian pickles. Indians are sweet, spicy, and tangy by nature, and so is their food. Indian Achaar is a popular condiment in Asian kitchens, and gradually, it is becoming a part of Western cuisine. We hope you find this article insightful and are sure you will love our recipe.
FAQs
Does Indian Pickle Have Probiotics?
Yes, many Indian pickles, especially those that are fermented, contain probiotics. These beneficial bacteria support gut health and aid digestion. Fermented pickles are made through natural fermentation processes, which promote the growth of probiotics, making them a healthy addition to meals.
Which is the Best Indian Pickle Brand?
There are several popular brands known for their quality Indian pickles. Some of the top brands include Mother’s Recipe, Priya, and Pachranga. Each brand offers a variety of pickles, each with its own unique flavors, so the best one can depend on personal taste preferences.
Which Pickle is Most Popular in India?
Mango pickle, known as “Aam ka Achar,” is arguably the most popular pickle in India. Its tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavors make it a favorite across different regions. Many households have their own unique recipes, and it is commonly enjoyed with meals throughout the country.
Is Indian Pickle Good for Health?
Indian pickles can be good for health when consumed in moderation. They often contain antioxidants, probiotics, and essential vitamins from the fruits and vegetables used. However, they can also be high in salt and oil, so it’s best to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet.
