Moms Magic Pickle Recipe: How to Make Green Chilli Pickle (Hari Mirch ka Achar) at Home

Green chilli pickle, known as “Hari Mirch ka Achar” in India, is a delightful condiment that adds a spicy kick to any meal. Whether you enjoy it with parathas, rice dishes, or just as a side with your favorite snacks, this pickle is a staple in many Indian households. Making your own homemade green chilli pickle allows you to customize the flavor to your liking and ensures that you’re using fresh, quality ingredients. In this article, we’ll share a simple and delicious recipe for making green chilli pickle at home, just like Mom used to make.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams fresh green chillies
• 4-5 tablespoons mustard oil
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds (rai)
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1 tablespoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 2 tablespoons salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, sliced (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the green chillies. Ensure there is no moisture on them as any water can cause the pickle to spoil quickly.
2. Slit the green chillies lengthwise, leaving them whole. If you prefer a milder pickle, you can deseed the chillies before slicing.
3. Heat mustard oil in a small pan until it reaches smoking point. Allow it to cool down slightly.
4. In a separate pan, dry roast the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and nigella seeds until they become aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.
5. Grind the roasted seeds into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the slit green chillies, ground spice mixture, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the chillies are well coated with the spices.
7. Transfer the seasoned green chillies into a clean, dry glass jar.
8. Heat the mustard oil again until it is hot but not smoking. Allow it to cool slightly.
9. Pour the hot oil over the green chillies in the jar, ensuring that all the chillies are submerged in the oil. This helps in preserving the pickle for a longer period.
10. If using garlic, layer the sliced cloves on top of the chillies in the jar.
11. Close the jar tightly with a lid and shake it gently to mix everything together.
12. Place the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and let it sit for at least 2-3 days to allow the flavors to develop.
13. Shake the jar gently every day to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.
14. Your homemade green chilli pickle is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a condiment with your favorite meals or snacks.

Tips:

• Use fresh, firm green chillies for the best results.
• Adjust the amount of salt and lemon juice according to your taste preferences.
• The pickle will develop more flavor over time, so you can store it for several months in a cool, dark place.
• Make sure to use clean, dry utensils and jars to prevent any spoilage.
• If you prefer a milder pickle, you can reduce the amount of green chillies or remove the seeds before slicing them.

Conclusion: Making green chilli pickle at home is not only easy but also allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of this beloved condiment. With this simple recipe, you can recreate the magic of Mom’s homemade pickle in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you’ll never go back to store-bought pickle again!