Indulge your taste buds in the rich and spicy symphony of Drumstick Pickle that captivates with its aromatic blend of fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, and vibrant spices.
Follow this step-by-step guide to create a zesty condiment that enhances the flavor of your meals.
With a perfect balance of heat and tanginess, this pickle, infused with the nutty essence of peanut oil, is a culinary delight that pairs harmoniously with a variety of dishes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Drumstick Pickle, or Sahajan ka Achar, boasts a perfect harmony of robust and spicy flavors with a well-balanced combination of fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, and aromatic spices.
- The infusion of peanut oil adds a distinct nutty essence to the pickle, enhancing its overall richness & contributing to a delightful taste experience.
- This pickle pairs harmoniously with various dishes, including Indian breads, rice dishes, lentils, curries, snacks, yogurt-based dishes, South Indian delicacies, grilled meats, and stir-fried vegetables.
- To maintain optimal freshness, store the Drumstick Pickle in a clean, dry, airtight glass or ceramic container in a cool, dark place.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs to personalize the pickle according to your taste preferences.
How to Make Drumstick Pickle? (Step by Step Guide with Images)
Step 1: At first sauté 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds & 1 tbsp mustard seeds for 8 mins till an aromatic smell comes out and the color changes to brown.
Step 2: Add 100 ml peanut oil in a wok and heat it. Now add 250 grams drumsticks cut into long pieces into the oil. Fry it for 1 min.
Step 3: Now turn off the flame and let it cool.
Step 4: Now add 50 gm red chili powder and 2 tbsp salt into drumsticks.
Step 5: Now add the grounded powder of sautéed 1 tbsp fenugreek seeds & 1 tbsp mustard seeds into the drumsticks.
Step 6: Add 1 tbsp turmeric powder into the drumstick.
Step 7: Mix it very well and leave it for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 8: Drumstick pickle is ready and store it into a glass jar and when ever needed enjoy this delicacy.
Pro Tips for Making Drumstick Pickle
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality drumsticks, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, and other spices for the best flavor.
Dry Roasting: Take time to dry roast the fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds until they release a rich, aromatic fragrance. This enhances the overall flavor of the pickle.
Oil Selection: Choose peanut oil for frying the drumsticks as it adds a distinct nutty flavor to the pickle. Ensure the oil is heated adequately before adding the drumsticks.
Drumstick Prep: Cut the drumsticks into long pieces to ensure they absorb the flavors and spices evenly. Make sure they are cleaned thoroughly before frying.
Cooling Stage: Allow the fried drumsticks to cool before proceeding with the next steps. This ensures that the spices adhere well to the surface, enhancing the taste.
Chili Powder and Salt: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and salt according to your spice preference. Start with the suggested amounts and add more if needed after tasting.
Tamarind Balance: Tamarind adds a tangy flavor to the pickle. Adjust the quantity based on your preference, ensuring a good balance between spiciness, tanginess, and saltiness.
Turmeric Incorporation: Turmeric not only adds color but also has health benefits. Ensure it is evenly mixed to give a uniform color and flavor to the pickle.
Marination Time: Let the pickle marinate for at least 3 to 4 hours or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the drumsticks thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful pickle.
Storage in Glass Jar: Use a clean and dry glass jar for storing the drumstick pickle. Ensure the jar is airtight to prolong the shelf life and maintain the freshness of the pickle.
Shake and Mix: Periodically shake the jar to ensure that the spices and flavors are evenly distributed. This helps in maintaining consistency throughout the pickle.
Enjoy in Moderation: Drumstick pickle is rich in flavors, so enjoy it in moderation. It pairs well with various dishes and can be a delightful addition to your meals.
Experiment with Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs to personalize the pickle according to your taste preferences. Be creative and make it your own signature recipe.
Storing Tips for Drumstick Pickle
Airtight Container: Always store your drumstick pickle in a clean, dry, and airtight glass or ceramic container.
Cool and Dark Place: Store the pickle in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: While the pickle can be stored at room temperature for short durations, it is advisable to refrigerate it for longer shelf life.
Use a Dry Spoon: Always use a clean and dry spoon to take out the pickle from the jar.
Top up with Oil: If you notice that the oil level has reduced over time, top up the pickle with a layer of peanut oil.
Check for Spoilage: Periodically check the pickle for any signs of spoilage, such as mold growth or an off smell.
What to Serve with Drumstick Pickle?
Indian Breads: Serve drumstick pickle with various Indian breads like chapati, paratha, or naan.
Rice Dishes: Pair the drumstick pickle with steamed rice, pulao, or biryani.
Dal (Lentils): Enjoy the pickle alongside different types of dal.
Curries: Serve the drumstick pickle as a side with various vegetable or meat curries.
Snacks: Use the drumstick pickle as a condiment for snacks like samosas, pakoras, or kebabs.
Yogurt-based Dishes: Pair the pickle with yogurt-based dishes like raita or yogurt rice.
Dosa and Idli: Enjoy drumstick pickle with South Indian delicacies like dosa and idli.
Grilled or Roasted Meats: Use the drumstick pickle as a side for grilled or roasted meats.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve the pickle alongside stir-fried vegetables for a quick and flavorful side dish.
How Does Drumstick Pickle Taste?
Drumstick pickle, also known as Sahajan ka Achar, is a burst of robust and spicy flavors with a perfect balance of tanginess. The combination of fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, and aromatic spices creates a rich, earthy undertone.
The drumsticks, fried to perfection and marinated in a blend of red chili powder, salt, tamarind, and turmeric, absorb the intense flavors, resulting in a delightful interplay of heat and tang.
The pickle’s unique taste is further elevated by the nutty essence of peanut oil. The marination process allows the flavors to meld, producing a savory and mouthwatering condiment that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes, adding a zesty kick to every bite.
Drumstick Pickle Alternatives
Elevate your culinary journey by exploring alternative pickles to the classic Drumstick Pickle.
- Carrot Pickle (Gajar ka Achar)
- Lime Pickle (Niumbu ka Achar)
- Garlic Pickle (Lehsun ka Achar)
- Chili Pickle (Mirch ka Achar)
- Mango Pickle (Aam ka Achar)
- Radish Pickle (Mooli ka Pickle)
Recipe Card
Drumstick Pickle
Ingredients
- 250 grams Drumsticks (cut into pieces)
- 1 tbsp Fenugreek seeds
- 1 tbsp Mustard seeds
- 100 ml Peanut oil
- 50 grams Red chili powder
- 2 tbsp Salt
- ½ tbsp Tamarind
- 1 tbsp Turmeric powder
Instructions
- Start by sautéing 1 tablespoon each of fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds for 8 minutes until you notice a pleasant aroma and the color turns brown.
- Heat 100 ml of peanut oil in a wok. Add 250 grams of drumsticks cut into long pieces to the hot oil and fry them for 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
- Add 50 grams of red chili powder and 2 tablespoons of salt to the drumsticks.
- Incorporate the ground powder of the sautéed fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds (1 tablespoon each) into the drumsticks.
- Introduce 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder into the mix.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly and let the mixture sit for 3 to 4 hours.
- Your Drumstick Pickle is now ready! Store it in a glass jar and savor this delicious condiment whenever you crave it.
Notes
Nutrition Info (Estimation Only)
Conclusion
Elevate your dining experience with the delightful Drumstick Pickle. Store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container for optimal freshness.
Experiment with variations and savor the pickle in moderation, whether paired with Indian bread, rice dishes, curries, or snacks.
With its unique taste profile, this pickle is a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the symphony of flavors with every spoonful!