Amla Achaar Recipe | Hot & Sweet Indian Gooseberry Pickle
Indian cuisine is incomplete without the vibrant and flavorful addition of pickles. One of the most cherished and traditional pickles in Indian households is Amla Achaar, made from gooseberries, also known as Nellikai. This spicy-sweet pickle has a unique blend of flavors, perfect for elevating any meal. Often made by mothers as a handmade treat, Amla Achaar finds its way into children’s travel bags when they relocate, a true taste of home that brings nostalgia.
This Hot & Sweet Indian Gooseberry Pickle combines the tanginess of fresh amla with the heat from red chili powder and the sweetness from jaggery, creating a perfect balance of taste. Its delicious aroma is sure to make your meals unforgettable.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Amla (Nellikai/Gooseberry) | 1/2 kg |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1/4 Cup |
| Salt | 1/4 Cup |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 Cup (Kuria-halved) |
| Jaggery (grated) | 1/4 Cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 2 tablespoons |
| Methi Seeds (Fenugreek Seeds) | 1 tablespoon (Kuria-halved) |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 teaspoon |
| Peanut Oil | 1-1/2 Cups |
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 25 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Amla: Begin by selecting fresh, unblemished amla (gooseberries) for the pickle. Wash them thoroughly and pat dry. Using a fork, prick each amla all over to allow the spices to infuse better during the pickling process. Set the pricked amla aside in a colander.
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Steam the Amla: In a large saucepan, bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Place the colander with amla over the saucepan, ensuring the amla is not submerged in water. Cover the pan and steam the amla for approximately 20 minutes, or until they become tender.
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Roast the Fenugreek Seeds: While the amla is steaming, heat a skillet and dry roast the fenugreek seeds (methi kuria) on low heat until they are aromatic. Allow them to cool before grinding them into a fine powder.
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Cool and Wedge the Amla: Once the amla has steamed and cooled, carefully remove the seeds and cut the amla into small wedges using a knife. Wearing gloves is recommended to avoid staining your nails, as prolonged contact with amla can cause darkening.
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Mix the Spices and Amla: In a large mixing bowl, arrange the amla wedges. Sprinkle turmeric powder, fenugreek powder, hing (asafoetida), mustard seeds, salt, and Kashmiri red chili powder over the amla. Use a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly.
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Add the Jaggery: Grate the jaggery and add it to the amla mixture. Stir again to ensure the jaggery is well combined with the other ingredients.
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Heat the Oil: In a kadai (wok), heat the peanut oil on low to medium heat. Allow it to heat up without letting it fume. Once heated, remove the oil from the heat and let it cool slightly.
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Combine Oil with the Pickle: Once the oil has cooled a little, pour it over the pickle mixture and stir well, ensuring all the ingredients are coated with the oil.
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Let the Pickle Rest: Cover the bowl with the mixture and let it rest overnight at room temperature. The next day, you’ll notice that the oil has floated to the top. Stir the pickle again to combine everything.
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Store the Pickle: Transfer the pickle into clean, dry glass jars. Ensure that the oil layer covers the pickle to preserve its flavor and freshness. The Amla Achaar will last at room temperature for about 2-3 months, though its color may darken slightly over time. For longer storage, refrigerate it.
Serving Suggestions
This Amla Achaar pairs wonderfully as a side accompaniment with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside Carrots & Sweet Potato Stuffed Paratha or enjoy it with Steamed Rice and Thatta Payaru Sambar (Black Eyed Beans Sambar) for a deliciously traditional South Indian meal.
Notes
- Storage: Always make sure the oil layer is floating above the pickle to preserve its shelf life. If the oil layer is not covering the pickle, it may spoil faster.
- Customization: You can adjust the amount of jaggery and red chili powder to match your preferred level of sweetness or spice.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Enjoy this zesty and flavorful Amla Achaar as it adds a tangy, sweet, and spicy twist to any meal!
