### Green Chilli Pickle Recipe: A Savory North Indian Achar
Green chilli pickle, referred to as hari mirch ka achar, is a cherished condiment in North Indian cooking. This quick pickle is prepared with fresh long green chillies, a mixture of Indian spices, and mustard oil, creating a tasty enhancement to dishes.
#### Ingredients
– 250 grams long green chillies
– 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
– 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
– 1 cup mustard oil (or any vegetable oil excluding olive oil)
– Salt to taste
#### Preparation Method
1. **Preparation of Green Chillies**:
– Rinse and dry the green chillies completely. You can either chop them into small pieces or retain them whole. If keeping them whole, make a slit down the center of each chilli.
2. **Spice Mixture**:
– In a frying pan, dry roast the mustard and fenugreek seeds until they emit a pleasant aroma. Let them cool down and then grind them into a coarse powder.
3. **Mixing Ingredients**:
– In a mixing bowl, blend the chopped green chillies (or whole chillies) with the ground spice mixture, turmeric powder, lemon juice, asafoetida, and salt. Stir well to ensure the chillies are uniformly coated.
4. **Adding Oil**:
– Heat the mustard oil until it reaches its smoking temperature. Allow it to cool slightly before drizzling it over the chilli and spice blend. Mix thoroughly.
5. **Storage**:
– Pour the pickle into a clean, dry glass jar. Make sure there is no moisture in the jar. Keep the jar uncovered until the pickle cools down completely.
6. **Maturation**:
– For optimal flavor, allow the pickle to sit in the sunlight for several days to develop its taste.
#### Tips for Perfect Pickle
– Opt for long, thick green chillies that are not overly spicy for a well-balanced taste.
– Sun-drying the spices before combining can enhance the flavors.
– Mustard oil is suggested for a genuine flavor, but other vegetable oils are acceptable.
– Make sure the jar is entirely dry to avert spoilage.
#### Serving Suggestions
Green chilli pickle goes excellently with roti, paratha, or even as a side with rice and dal. It can also be enjoyed as a tangy side to snacks like mathri or khakra.
This straightforward yet delicious green chilli pickle is guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen, providing a spicy zest to your dishes. Relish the vibrant tastes of North India with this easy-to-prepare achar!