Pickle is one of the must – have items in any Indian household. I grew up in Kerala and was always addicted to pickles and curd rice. Amma used to make different kinds of instant pickles (which can be made in a very short time) at home. Nellikkai (gooseberry) or Amla pickle was one of them. Gooseberries are well known for their high Iron and Vitamin C content. It is even helpful in improving eye sight and skin quality. I have heard that it is very good to have Amla powder on an empty stomach every morning. We always make pickle (Achar) at home whenever we get Nellikkai. Here is my version of it –
Ingredients:
| Nellikkai / Gooseberries | 10 medium sized |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| fenugreek seeds powder / Uluva podi / Vendhaya Podi | 1 tsp |
| Red chilli powder | 3 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Asafoetida | 1 tsp |
| Oil preferably sesame oil | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | as needed |
Method:
1. Wash the gooseberries and boil them in salted water until they are soft. Drain, remove the seeds and keep them aside after separating them into small pieces.
2. In a wide pan, add sesame oil. When the oil is hot, add mustard seeds.
3. When the mustard seeds splutter, add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and asafoetida. The flame should be as low as possible at this stage.
4. Add the gooseberries and mix well so that they get coated with red chilli powder. Cook in low flame for about 5 – 7 minutes and add the fenugreek seeds powder. You can prepare this powder beforehand by dry roasting the fenugreek seeds (uluva / vendhayam).
5. Add more oil if required. Switch of the flame. Cool it down and transfer into an air tight container.
Please try this easy pickle recipe and let me know your feedback..I will be back with another quick recipe..
Leave a Comment