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List of Indian pickles facts for kids

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Mangopickle
A yummy Indian mango pickle!

Indian pickles are super tasty side dishes that add a burst of flavor to any meal! They are known by different names across India, like Achaar in Hindi, Urugaai in Tamil, and Uppinakayi in Kannada. These pickles come in many flavors and textures, from spicy to sweet, and soft to crunchy.

People usually make Indian pickles by preserving fruits or vegetables in oil, vinegar, lemon juice, or water. They are often like fresh relishes or chutneys, making your food even more delicious. Many common Indian foods are pickled, such as juicy mangoes, tangy gooseberries, and zesty lemons. Some families even have special pickle recipes that have been passed down for many generations!

Popular Indian Pickles

Amla Pickle (Indian Gooseberry Pickle)

Amla pickle is a popular spicy pickle found in India and other South Asian countries. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is packed with good stuff like vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus.

To make it, gooseberries are first cooked until soft. Then, mustard seeds are quickly fried in oil. The cooked gooseberries and other spices are added to this mix. This pickle can be kept in the fridge for about 15 days.

Assorted or Mixed Pickle

Assorted pickle, also called mixed pickles, is a blend of different vegetables pickled together. It's a common sight in Indian and Pakistani meals.

To prepare it, a special liquid called a marinade is boiled. Then, various vegetables are cooked in this flavorful marinade. This gives you a mix of tastes and textures in one pickle!

Carrot Pickle

Carrot pickle is a simple yet tasty pickle. It's made by cutting carrots into small cubes. Green chili peppers and ginger are then added to give it a spicy kick.

Garlic Pickle

Garlic pickle is a spicy favorite, especially in Andhra Pradesh, a state in India. It's made by mixing peeled garlic cloves with mustard seeds and a sweet ingredient called jaggery. A little salt is also added to balance the flavors. The jaggery makes this pickle slightly sweet.

Green Chili Pickle

Green chili pickle is a popular condiment used with main dishes across India, especially in Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

In Rajasthan, people make it by slicing green chilies lengthwise. These chilies are then fried with ginger and garlic. Other ingredients like mango powder, lemon juice, and fenugreek seeds are added for extra flavor. This pickle is a Rajasthani specialty and sometimes even flavors Indian snack foods.

Roselle Leaves Pickle (Gongura Pacchadi)

Roselle leaves pickle, also known as Gongura pacchadi, is very popular in Andhra Pradesh. It's also enjoyed in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. In some parts of Northeast India, the plant is called aamelli or mwitha. This pickle uses the tangy leaves of the roselle plant.

Onion Pickle

Spicy onion pickle is made by cutting onions into pieces and rubbing salt over them. After a day, any extra water is drained away. The onions are then mixed with other spices and left to soak for four or five days. This process gives the onions a unique, spicy flavor.

Raw Mango and Chickpea Pickle

Raw mango and chickpea pickle is a unique combination. To make it, grated raw green mango is mixed with salt and turmeric powder and left for a day. Then, soaked chickpeas and other ingredients are added. This mixture is left to sit for about four days, allowing all the flavors to blend.

Red Chili Pickle

Red chili pickle is a vibrant and spicy pickle. It's prepared by slicing red chilies lengthwise and stuffing them with fenugreek powder. These stuffed chilies are then placed in a sealed porcelain jar for a whole month. This long process helps the flavors develop and the chilies to soften.

Red chilli pickle in a plate1
A plate of red chili pickle from India.

Sweet Mango Pickle

Sweet mango pickle is a delightful treat. It's made by cutting mangoes into pieces and pouring sugar syrup over them. Other ingredients are added, and the mixture is sealed in a jar. The jar is then kept under the sun until the mango pieces become soft and sweet.

Sweet and Sour Lemon Pickle

Sweet sour lemon pickle offers a mix of sweet and tangy flavors. To make it, lemons are cut in half. Salt is sprinkled, and sugar syrup is poured over them. This mixture is then left to marinate for one week, creating a delicious sweet and sour taste.

Tomato Pickle

Tomato pickle is a spicy and flavorful pickle. It's made by cooking ripe tomatoes and adding various spices, along with mustard powder. This creates a rich and tangy pickle that goes well with many dishes.

Coconut Pickle

Coconut pickle is often served with South Indian breakfasts. Unlike many other pickles, it needs to be eaten quickly because it doesn't last long. It's made from grated raw coconut and takes much less time to prepare than most other Indian pickles.

See also

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List of Indian pickles Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.