Priyanka Chopra: “I have had…with sandwiches also”: Priyanka Chopra carries this homemade food around the world
Homemade food has its own charm and emotional connection. From the first bite of homemade paratha to that rustic meat preparation to that creamy custard made by mom, all of it has its own value and connection, making homemade food the ultimate comfort. For global star Priyanka Chopra, homemade achar is one such food that has a special connection. According to one of her interviews shared on the Instagram handle @podcastindia_4, one habit she hasn’t changed over the years is eating ghar ka achar with anything and everything. In the candid conversation, Priyanka says, “I can have ghar ka aam ka achar with everything.” “If you have a cheese sandwich with homemade aam ka achar, it is one of the best things,” she adds. When questioned about the concept of mixed pickle, she straight away says no and affirms, “No mixed pickle please, just homemade pickles like aam ka achar, nimbu and more.”
What makes homemade pickle everyone’s favourite
Strong emotional and cultural connection: When it comes to pickles, we all have a strong emotional or cultural connection with their grandmothers’ recipes and the community we belong to. For instance, in Bihar and UP, people often use raw mustard oil in pickles, while in the South, peanut or coconut oil is predominant in pickle recipes.Authenticity: Homemade pickles are always made with love and care and they carry a rich traditional flavour which many people associate with family recipes and comfort they offer. Made with seasonal and fresh ingredients: Generally, homemade pickles are made with fresh seasonal produce and are free of preservatives. Also, the use of fresh ground spices and oils without excessive preservatives makes it even more flavorful and comforting. Customisable and lower in salt: One of the rare features of homemade pickle is that it is customizable and often lower in sodium compared to packaged ones, which are often high in oil, salt, and other ingredients.
How to make Aam ka Achar at home
Ingredients: 500 g raw mangoes, 3 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp red chilli powder, 1 tbsp turmeric powder, 2 tbsp mustard seeds, 1 tbsp fennel seeds, 1 tsp fenugreek seeds, 1/2 tsp nigella seeds, 1/4 tsp asafoetida, 1 to 1½ cups mustard oilMethod: First of all, wash the raw mangoes thoroughly and dry completely and make sure there is no moisture else, it can spoil the pickle. Next, chop into small cubes with or without the seed shell, depending on preference. Take a deep-mixing bowl, add combine salt, chilli powder, turmeric, mustard seeds, fennel, methi, kalonji, and hing. Now, toss the mango pieces well in the spice mixture. In the meantime, heat mustard oil until it reaches smoking point, then cool it completely. Pour the cooled oil over the mango-spice mixture and mix well. Tansfer the mixture in a clean, dry glass jar. Keep the jar in sunlight for 4–7 days, shaking or stirring once daily. Once the mango softens and absorbs the spices, the pickle is ready. Enjoy it with paratha or dal-chawal, or any dish of your choice.
