Quick Indian Style Ginger Pickle
Quick Indian Style Ginger Pickle is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that adds a burst of zing to any meal. Made with fresh ginger, green chilies, and lemon juice, this tangy and spicy pickle is a favorite in many Indian households. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with no cooking involved, making it a perfect quick addition to your meals.
This instant ginger pickle can be served with various dishes, but it’s especially delightful when paired with paratha for breakfast or alongside a main course. Its vibrant flavor profile comes from the combination of raw ginger and the kick from green chilies, balanced with the citrusy tartness of lemon.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Ginger (peeled and julienned) | 100 grams |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemons (juiced) | 2 lemons |
| Green Chilies (slit) | 4 green chilies |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ginger: Start by peeling and washing the ginger thoroughly. Pat the ginger dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture. Once dry, cut the ginger into thin juliennes or strips, ensuring they are of uniform size for even flavor absorption.
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Add Salt: Place the ginger juliennes in a clean glass mixing bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the ginger and mix it well to ensure even distribution. Let the ginger rest for about 5 minutes. During this time, the ginger will release some water, making it soft and tender.
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Slice the Green Chilies: While the ginger is resting, take the green chilies and slice them diagonally into thin, long pieces. These will provide a nice spicy kick to the pickle.
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Add Chilies and Lemon Juice: Add the sliced green chilies to the bowl with the ginger. Squeeze the juice from the two lemons directly over the mixture. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. The lemon juice will help soften the ginger and give it a tangy, zesty flavor.
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Rest the Pickle: Allow the pickle to rest at room temperature for a few minutes. During this time, the ginger will change color, turning a light pink as it absorbs the lemon juice and salt, and the flavors will meld together.
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Transfer and Store: Once the ginger pickle has rested, transfer it to a clean, dry glass jar. Seal the jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator. The pickle can be kept for a few days and will continue to develop flavor as it sits.
How to Serve
This Quick Indian Style Ginger Pickle can be served as a side dish with a variety of Indian meals. It pairs beautifully with hot parathas for breakfast or can be enjoyed alongside rice, dal (lentils), or curries for lunch or dinner. The pickle is particularly great for adding an extra punch of flavor to your meals.
Recipe Notes:
- Shelf Life: This pickle should be stored in the refrigerator and can last for several days.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies to your preference. You can make it spicier by adding more chilies or milder by reducing the number.
- Alternative Ingredients: Some variations of this pickle include the addition of mustard seeds or a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for an extra depth of flavor.
This easy-to-make ginger pickle is a perfect way to add an instant, fresh burst of flavor to your meals, giving them an authentic Indian touch in just minutes. Enjoy!
