Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Airtight glass jars for storage
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a dry skillet, toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds until fragrant. Let cool and grind into a fine powder.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend garlic cloves until finely chopped.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground spices, chopped garlic, red chili flakes, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
4. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil until hot. Add the spice mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Let the achar cool down to room temperature.
6. Transfer the achar to airtight glass jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of achar
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 45
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 0.3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary fiber: 0.5g
Total sugars: 0.5g
Protein: 0.5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Garlic cloves can be substituted with shallots or onions.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any neutral oil.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added flavor.
- Add diced vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for texture.
- Add honey or sugar for a sweeter taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Use fresh garlic cloves for best results.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use airtight glass jars for storage to prevent spoilage.
Storage instructions:
Store the achar in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
The achar can be served at room temperature or reheated in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the achar in a small bowl or ramekin as a condiment.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
Pairings:
Garlic lemon achar pairs well with Indian dishes such as biryani, curry, or dal.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with naan bread or rice.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the achar is too salty, add more lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean utensils and airtight glass jars for storage to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Achar is a traditional South Asian condiment made with a variety of vegetables or fruits and spices.
Flavor profiles:
Garlic lemon achar has a tangy, spicy, and savory flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a condiment with Indian dishes or as a spread on sandwiches.
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Region: Indian