Indian Condiments

Mustard Garlic Achar Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup yellow mustard seeds
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup red chili powder
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Glass jars with lids

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a bowl, soak the mustard seeds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the water and transfer the soaked mustard seeds to a blender or food processor.
3. Add the garlic, red chili powder, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil to the blender.
4. Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth paste.
5. In a saucepan, heat the white vinegar and water until it comes to a boil.
6. Add the mustard paste to the saucepan and stir well.
7. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down completely.
9. Transfer the mustard garlic achar to glass jars with lids.
10. Store the jars in a cool, dry place for at least a week before using.


- Time:
Preparation time: 4 hours (soaking time) + 20 minutes (preparation time)
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 2 cups of mustard garlic achar

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 38 per tablespoon
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 292mg
- Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- White vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Red chili powder can be substituted with paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any neutral-flavored oil.

Variations:
- Add other spices such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric for a different flavor.
- Use different types of vinegar for a unique taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a blender or food processor to make a smooth paste.
- Let the mustard garlic achar sit for at least a week before using to allow the flavors to develop.
- Use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out the achar to prevent contamination.

Storage instructions:
- Store the mustard garlic achar in glass jars with lids in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Reheating instructions:
- Mustard garlic achar does not need to be reheated.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mustard garlic achar in a small bowl as a condiment.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.

Pairings:
- Serve with Indian dishes such as samosas or pakoras.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with rice or naan bread.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mustard garlic achar is too thick, add more water or vinegar to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Use clean utensils and jars to prevent contamination.
- Store the mustard garlic achar in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
- Achar is a popular condiment in South Asian cuisine, made with a variety of vegetables and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a condiment with Indian dishes.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Pungent