Garlic Pickle

Description

Garlic Pickle is a flavorful, spicy, and tangy Indian condiment made using garlic cloves as the main ingredient, combined with an assortment of spices, oil, and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice. It’s a beloved accompaniment in many Indian households, especially in regions like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and North India, where it’s often enjoyed with rice, roti, paratha, or as a side to curries and snacks.

Key Ingredients:

• Garlic: The primary ingredient, garlic cloves are either whole, chopped, or smashed. Garlic provides a sharp, pungent flavor and offers numerous health benefits such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties.
• Spices: A blend of spices such as red chili powder, turmeric, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, carom seeds (ajwain), and sometimes hing (asafoetida) are used to create the pickle’s bold, savory flavor.
• Tamarind or Lemon: Tamarind pulp or lemon juice adds a tangy and sour note, balancing the spiciness and richness of the oil.
• Salt: For seasoning and preserving the pickle.
• Oil: Mustard oil or sesame oil is often used, as these oils add flavor and are also key to preserving the pickle.

Sugar or Jaggery (optional): Some recipes include a small amount of sugar or jaggery for a subtle sweetness, which balances the sour and spicy elements