How to make authentic Indian garlic pickle at home: Step-by-step guide to spicy, tangy, and crunchy pickles with mustard oil and sun-curing |
Garlic Pickle, also called garlic aachar in India, is a popular condiment that has earned fame for its strong, pungent, sour, and spicy taste. This pickle has always remained in the hearts of Indians and is enjoyed regularly with other foods, like dal, parathas, rice, and/ or khichdi. Not only is the pickle relishable, but it is also digestive and has the inherent benefits of garlic. With the instruction guide, you will be able to make garlic pickle in your own kitchen with all the components comprising preservatives, offering you the best and freshest flavor that exudes and has the presence of garlic. This guide will lead you through the process in detail.
Why is garlic pickle so special
Garlic is used extensively in Indian cuisine not only because of its strong scent and flavor but also due to health reasons. It has several compounds, including allicin, which could offer various health benefits related to heart health. Pickled garlic not only increases the flavor of garlic by preserving it, it is also very versatile, as it can be used with any meal. Homemade garlic pickle made with mustard oil is not only very flavorful with a nice combination of tangy and pungency that cannot be replicated by anyone else, but it is also free of preservatives.
Garlic pickle: Ingredients you will need
A successful garlic pickle relies on the right combination of garlic, oil, and spices. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup garlic cloves (peeled): Fresh garlic is essential for achieving the right crunch and flavour.
- ½ cup mustard oil: Mustard oil adds a unique pungency and acts as a natural preservative.
- 2 tablespoons red chilli powder: Provides heat and colour to the pickle. Adjust according to taste.
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder: Adds earthy aroma and aids in preservation.
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds (coarsely crushed): These contribute a nutty, peppery undertone.
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds: Adds a subtle sweetness and balances the heat of the chillies.
- Salt to taste: Enhances flavour and also preserves the pickle.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar: Introduces tanginess and acts as a natural preservative.
Each ingredient plays a critical role: while spices enhance flavour, mustard oil ensures longevity, and lemon juice or vinegar balances the taste and preserves the garlic.
Steps to make Indian garlic pickle at home
Step 1: Clean and dry the garlicThe initial and perhaps most crucial step is the process of preparing the garlic. The peels of the garlic need to be removed very carefully, without any trace of skin left. What comes next is washing the peeled garlic cloves thoroughly under running water. This step is important as the peels may contain dirt and debris. Once this is done, the garlic needs to be laid on a clean and dry cloth and left to dry thoroughly. This is because water is the enemy of pickles.Step 2: Heat and cool the mustard oilMustard oil is also essential to the preparation of the traditional Indian pickle. In order to use the oil properly, it should be heated to the point where it reaches its “smoking point” and the flame should be switched off and the oil allowed to cool completely. Heating the oil helps to get rid of the raw and pungent flavor and to release the nice aroma that contributes largely to the taste of the pickle. It is also essential to use the oil at room temperature because if it is used when it is too hot, the garlic will get cooked and change its consistency.Step 3: Prepare the spice mixNow, in a separate, cleaned bowl, mix red chilli powder, turmeric powder, crushed mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and salt. The purpose here is to mix all the ingredients well together in order to get a balanced spice mix. The spice mix should be slightly coarse, not fine. This is because the spice mix needs to stick to the garlic pieces, thereby acting as a source of flavor that gets released slowly in every mouthful of the pickle.Step 4: Coat the garlic with spicesAdd the dried garlic cloves to the spice mixture. Toss the garlic gently in the mixture to coat each clove uniformly with the spices. This process is important because it helps the garlic to imbibe the flavors properly with time. Do not mash the cloves; instead, try to keep them whole so that the flavors can seep into the pickle.Step 5: Add the mustard oilNow, slowly pour the cooled mustard oil over the mixture of garlic and spices, stirring well to coat the cloves evenly. Oil not only helps to mix the spices well with the garlic, but helps to keep the bacteria away, acting as a preserving agent for the mixture. The addition of this much-needed oil helps the cloves remain crunchy while the flavors mature. Stirring well helps the mixture remain even, without drying out the cloves.Step 6: Add lemon juice or vinegarIn order to bring in the sourness and thus improve the preservation process, you can add some lemon juice and/or vinegar to it. This will balance the pungency of the chilli and the mustard oil. Mix all the ingredients well in the mixture so that all the cloves of the chilli come into contact with the mixture and the flavors can merge. This will also make the preservation process slower and thus keep the pickle for longer.Step 7: Store and sun-cureTransfer the garlic pickle to a clean, dry glass container with a tight-fitting lid. The container needs to be put in the sunlight for 3 to 4 days, and it has to be gently shaken every day. This step makes the garlic soak up the spices and the oil properly, and the warmth generated in the container enhances the taste. In a week, the garlic pickle would be ready to be consumed.
Storage and serving tips
- Always use a dry spoon to serve the pickle to prevent moisture from spoiling it.
- Store the pickle in a cool, dry place; refrigeration can further extend its shelf life.
- Garlic pickle tastes better as it matures, so be patient for the full depth of flavour.
- Pair it with dal, rice, paratha, or khichdi for an authentic Indian dining experience.
Homemade garlic pickle is free from artificial preservatives and can be customised in spice level to suit your palate. By following these detailed steps and taking care with preparation, you can enjoy a fresh, tangy, and flavourful pickle that elevates any meal.
