Carrot pickle is a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet condiment that’s easy to make and perfect to accompany meals. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious carrot pickle:
Ingredients:
- Carrots: 500 grams (peeled and cut into thin sticks)
- Salt: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard seeds: 1 tablespoon (coarsely ground)
- Fenugreek seeds (methi): 1 teaspoon
- Fennel seeds (saunf): 1 tablespoon
- Nigella seeds (kalonji): 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
- Asafoetida (hing): A pinch
- Mustard oil: 1/2 cup
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance flavors)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into thin sticks.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the carrots, mix well, and leave them for 2-3 hours to release moisture.
- Drain any water and pat the carrot sticks dry with a clean cloth.
2. Dry Roast the Spices:
- In a dry pan, lightly roast mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, and nigella seeds until aromatic.
- Let them cool and coarsely grind them.
3. Prepare the Oil Mixture:
- Heat mustard oil in a pan until it starts smoking, then let it cool slightly.
- Add asafoetida and turmeric powder to the oil.
4. Mix the Pickle:
- In a large bowl, combine the dried carrot sticks, ground spice mix, red chili powder, and the remaining salt.
- Pour the cooled mustard oil over the mixture and toss well to coat the carrots.
- Add vinegar and sugar (if using), and mix thoroughly.
5. Rest the Pickle:
- Transfer the pickle to a clean, dry, sterilized glass jar.
- Press the mixture down to remove any air gaps and pour a little extra mustard oil on top to preserve the pickle.
- Close the lid tightly and leave the jar in a cool, dry place for 3-4 days, shaking it daily to mix the ingredients and develop flavors.
Storage and Serving:
- Store the carrot pickle in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Enjoy it as a side dish with rice, parathas, or your favorite meals.
This carrot pickle is a burst of tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavors!