Everybody knows that Indian pickles offer a rare amalgamation of sweet, sour and spicy flavours. Most people also know that Indian pickles also preserve seasonal fruits and veggies for up to a year. And when it comes to Gujarati pickles, this cuisine has some of the best Indian pickles to offer. Gujarati pickles feature a wide variety of fruits and vegetables as the primary ingredients, including mangoes, lemons, chilies, carrots, and mixed vegetables.
While most Indian pickles have this content, unlike many other Indian pickles, Gujarati pickles often have a balanced sweet and tangy taste. They are typically made using a combination of sugar, jaggery, and a tangy agent like lemon juice or tamarind, resulting in a delightful blend of flavors. Gujarati pickles are also infused with a distinct blend of spices and herbs, such as mustard seeds, fenugreek, asafoetida, turmeric, and cumin. These spices lend complexity and depth to the pickles, enhancing their taste and aroma.
In Gujarati cuisine, pickles are an essential accompaniment to meals. They add a burst of flavor to simple dishes and enhance the overall dining experience. Due to their distinctive flavors and traditional preparation methods, Gujarati pickles have gained popularity not only in India but also among people worldwide who appreciate the diversity and richness of Indian culinary heritage. Here are some such pickles from Gujarati cuisine that you must try.
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Chhunda
Chhunda pickle is a popular and unique sweet-spicy condiment made from grated raw mangoes, sugar, spices, and a touch of chili powder. The grated mango is mixed with sugar and left to marinate, allowing the flavors to meld. The addition of spices like fenugreek, cumin, and mustard seeds adds depth and complexity. The resulting pickle boasts a balanced sweet-tangy taste with a hint of heat, making it a delightful accompaniment to Indian meals, snacks, and flatbreads like theplas and puris.
Gol Keri
Gol Keri pickle is a beloved traditional condiment crafted from sun-ripened raw mangoes, spices, and jaggery. The mangoes are sliced into rounds and combined with jaggery, chili powder, and aromatic spices like fenugreek and mustard seeds. This mixture is then sun-dried, allowing the flavors to mature and intensify. The result is a luscious and tangy pickle with a delightful balance of sweetness and spiciness. Gol Keri is a must-have accompaniment in Gujarati households, adding zing to meals and complementing various dishes.
Mitha Limbu
Mitha Limbu pickle, also known as sweet lemon pickle, is a unique and tantalizing condiment made from lemons, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices. The lemons are sliced and cooked with sugar, creating a delightful sweet and tangy flavor profile. Infused with spices like cumin, fenugreek, and asafoetida, this pickle offers a burst of flavors. It complements Gujarati cuisine wonderfully, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the spiciness of other dishes, making it a popular accompaniment.
Katki Keri
Katki Keri pickle is a delectable and tangy condiment made from raw, tender mangoes. The mangoes are cut into small pieces or "katki" and mixed with spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and asafoetida. The pickle is then sun-dried, allowing the flavors to mature and develop. With its sour and spicy taste, Katki Keri pickle is a delightful addition to Gujarati meals, adding a burst of flavors and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Khatti Keri
Khatti Keri pickle is a flavorful and sour condiment made from raw mangoes. The mangoes are sliced into thin pieces and seasoned with a blend of spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and asafoetida. The addition of vinegar or lemon juice gives the pickle its tangy taste. After marinating, the pickle develops its robust flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment to Gujarati meals. Khatti Keri pickle adds a delightful zest to the palate, making every meal a memorable experience.
Gunda Keri
Gunda Keri pickle is a unique and delightful condiment made from tender local berries, known as Gunda in Gujarati. The berries, which are tangy and sour, are pickled with a blend of spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and asafoetida, creating a piquant and tangy flavor profile. The pickle is left to mature, allowing the berries to absorb the spices fully. Gunda Keri pickle is a cherished accompaniment in Gujarati households, adding a burst of exotic taste and enhancing the overall dining experience with its distinctive flavors.
Athela Marcha
Athela Marcha pickle is a fiery and spicy condiment made from green chili peppers. The chili peppers are slit and marinated with a mix of spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and asafoetida. The pickle is then preserved in oil, allowing the flavors to intensify over time. Athela Marcha pickle is a beloved accompaniment in Gujarati cuisine, adding a bold and pungent kick to meals. It is a favorite among spice lovers and enhances the overall dining experience with its fiery taste.
Limbu Nu Athanu
Limbu Nu Athanu, or lemon pickle, is a zesty and tangy condiment made from lemons. The lemons are cut into pieces and mixed with a blend of spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and asafoetida. The pickle is then marinated in oil and lemon juice, allowing the flavors to meld and mature. Limbu Nu Athanu is a cherished accompaniment in Gujarati cuisine, providing a burst of citrusy flavors that complement various dishes and add a delightful tanginess to the palate.