7 Types Of Pickle Recipes That Make for the Best Side Dishes

Craving a flavour explosion for your next meal? Look no further than the humble pickle. But ditch the store-bought stuff—we're diving into the world of easy pickle recipes you can make at home. From classic dill to spicy surprises, we will show you how to make pickles that complement any dish. So, grab your jar and let's get pickling!

7 Types of Pickle Recipes to Spice Up Your Everyday Meals

Pickles are a flavour bomb waiting to happen. Here's a collection of seven types of pickle recipes from around the country, perfect for adding a tangy, spicy, or sweet punch to any meal.

1. Aam Chunda

A sweet and tangy pickle made with unripe mangoes, popular in Gujarat, India. It's a delicious condiment with a delightful balance of sweet and savoury flavours.

Aam Chunda Pickle Ingredients:

Unripe mangoes, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and oil.

Recipe:

• Grate or finely chop unripe mangoes.
• Heat oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds till they splutter.
• Add the mangoes, spices, and jaggery. Cook until the mangoes soften and the mixture thickens into a spreadable consistency.
• Enjoy as a condiment with curries, dals, or even chapattis!

2. Tomato Thokku

A fiery and tangy pickle from South India, perfect for adding a kick to any dish. It's traditionally served with rice dishes like dosa or idli.

Tomato Thokku Ingredients:

Ripe tomatoes, mustard seeds, curry leaves (fresh leaves with a strong, aromatic flavour), fenugreek seeds, red chilli powder, and oil.

Recipe:

• Mash the tomatoes or chop them finely.
• Heat oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds till they splutter.
• Add curry leaves and red chilli powder. Saute for a minute to release the flavours.
• Add the tomatoes and cook until they soften and the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency.
• Enjoy with rice, dosa, or even as a dip!

3. Kerala Mango Achar

A tangy and spicy pickle from Kerala, South India, made with ripe mangoes and various spices. It's known for its distinct sour flavour and bold aroma.

Kerala Mango Achar Ingredients:

Ripe mangoes, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, vinegar, and oil.

Recipe:

• Slice the ripe mangoes into thin pieces.
• Heat oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds till they splutter.
• Add curry leaves and red chilli powder. Saute for a minute.
• Add the mangoes, turmeric powder, and vinegar. Cook until the mangoes soften slightly, and the mixture thickens a bit.
• Enjoy with rice dishes, curries, or even as a snack!

4. Green Chilli Pickle

A fiery and vibrant pickle made with green chillies, popular across India. You can adjust the spice level as per your taste.

Green Chilli Pickle Ingredients:

Green chillies (various types can be used), mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, salt, turmeric powder, and oil.

Recipe:

• Slit the green chillies lengthwise (optional: remove some seeds for a milder pickle).
• Heat oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds till they splutter.
• Add the chillies and turmeric powder. Toss to coat.
• Cook until the chillies soften slightly and lose their raw bite. Don't overcook or they'll lose their crunch.
• Let the pickle cool completely before storing it. The flavours develop further over time.
• Enjoy as a condiment with curries, dals, or even parathas!

5. Classic Lemon Pickle

A refreshingly tangy and aromatic pickle made with lemons, a staple in Indian cuisine. It adds a burst of citrusy flavour to any dish.

Lemon Pickle Ingredients:

Lemons, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chilli powder (optional), salt, oil.

Recipe:

• Prick the lemons with a fork in several places.
• Heat oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds till they splutter.
• Add the lemons and cook until they soften slightly. (Alternatively, the lemons can be sun-dried for a day before this step)
• Remove the lemons from the oil and let them cool slightly.
• Cut the lemons into quarters or wedges. (Optional: Deseed the lemons if desired)
• Add the lemon wedges, salt, and red chilli powder (if using) back to the cooled oil. Mix well.
• Let the pickle cool completely before storing it. The flavours develop further over time.
• Enjoy as a condiment with curries, dals, or even as a side for grilled fish!

6. Lahsun Ka Achar

A pungent and flavourful pickle made with garlic cloves, popular in North India. It adds a unique garlic kick to any dish.

Lahsun Ka Achar Ingredients:

Garlic cloves (peeled), mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chilli powder (optional), hing (asafoetida, a resin with a strong flavour), oil.

Recipe:

• Separate the garlic cloves and peel them.
• Heat oil, add mustard and fenugreek seeds till they splutter.
• Add a pinch of hing (optional) and saute for a few seconds (be careful, hing burns easily).
• Add the garlic cloves and red chilli powder (if using). Toss to coat.
• Cook until the garlic cloves turn slightly golden brown. Don't burn them.
• Let the pickle cool completely before storing it. The flavours develop further over time.
• Enjoy as a condiment with curries, dals, or even as a spread for sandwiches!

7. Amla Ka Achar

A tangy and slightly bitter pickle made with amla (Indian gooseberry), a fruit rich in Vitamin C. It adds a unique flavour and a health boost to your meals.

Amla Ka Achar Ingredients:

Amla (Indian gooseberries, pierced with a fork), mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, black mustard seeds (whole), turmeric powder, red chilli powder (optional), salt, and oil.

Recipe:

• Wash and dry the amla (Indian gooseberries). Pierce them with a fork in several places.
• Heat oil, add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and black mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder (if using). Saute for a minute.
• Add the amla and salt. Toss to coat.
• Cook until the amla softens slightly but retains some crunch. Don't overcook.
• Let the pickle cool completely before storing it. The flavours develop further over time.
• Enjoy as a condiment with curries, dals, or even as a snack!

The Takeaway

These pickle recipes are just the tip of the jar, offering a glimpse into the vast world of homemade pickles. With countless types of pickles and endless flavour combinations to explore, you can customise your pickling journey to suit your taste perfectly. So, grab your favourite vegetables and fruits, experiment with spices, and enjoy the delicious results with every bite.