Star Gooseberry Pickle
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
20 mins
-
Servings
500 grams
-
Course
Side Dish, Condiments
-
Cuisine
Indian
Star Gooseberry Pickle
Description
Star Gooseberry Pickle is a tangy and spicy condiment made from star gooseberries marinated in red chili powder, turmeric, and rock salt. The preparation starts with drying the fresh gooseberries thoroughly and marinating them in spices to infuse sharp and warm flavors. Meanwhile, a tempering of sesame oil with mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and asafoetida is prepared and cooled before being poured over the spiced fruit. Over a resting period of seven days, the flavors meld to create a vibrant pickle with a balance of heat, acidity, and aromatic bitterness. The choice of raw sesame oil provides a distinctive nutty background to the fiery spices.
The texture remains firm but tender, making it a pungent accompaniment to meals. It is stored in sterilized jars kept in a dry place, with periodic stirring to distribute the oil and spices evenly. Once matured, it can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on ambient conditions.
This pickle works well as a side to staple dishes, lending sharpness and complexity to simple preparations. Adjusting red chili powder lets you control the heat level, while substituting sunflower oil will change the flavor profile noticeably.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 400 grams star gooseberries
- 2 to 3 tablespoons red chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ cup rock salt (edible and food grade) or regular salt, add as required
For tempering
- ½ cup sesame oil - Indian sesame oil made with raw sesame seeds one and not the South Asian one made with toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
Instructions
- Firstly, rinse the star gooseberries in water. Dry them with a kitchen napkin. There should be no trace of moisture on them. If they are large in size, then chop them and remove the seeds.
- Take them in a large bowl. Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder and rock salt. Mix very well.
- In another pan, heat the sesame oil. Add the mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds and allow them to splutter.
- Then, add the asafoetida. Stir and switch off the heat.
- Set the pan aside and let the oil cool completely at room temperature. Later pour the cooled oil over the gooseberries marinated with the spices. Mix very well.
- Spoon the pickle in a sterilized jar.
- Close tightly with a lid and keep the pickle in a dry corner of your kitchen for 7 days.
- After every 2 to 3 days, give the pickle bottle or jar a good shake or a stir with a clean dry spoon.
- The Star Gooseberry Pickle will be ready in 7 days.
- Once the pickle is ready, keep in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
- In cold climates, you can keep the pickle outside. In hot and humid climates, refrigerate the pickle. Serve Star Gooseberry Pickle with any Indian meal of your choice or with stuffed paratha.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Using Indian sesame oil made from raw seeds is important for the authentic flavor; substituting it with sunflower oil alters the taste.
- Use fresh star gooseberries for best results; when in season, they produce a better pickle.
- Store the pickle in a cool, dry place or refrigerate depending on your local temperature to maintain freshness.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
