Mixed pickle
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This article is part of the series Indian cuisine |
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Punjabi – Mughlai – Rajasthani – |
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Goan – Gujarati – Maharashtrian/Marathi – |
Overseas – Historical – Jain (Satvika) – |
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In Indian cuisine, a mixed pickle consists of various pickled fruits and vegetables (invariably including chilli peppers) suspended in vegetable oil. Sometimes the terms refers to a specific mix in contrast to a pickle made with mostly one base vegetable or fruit. The Hindi term achar is often used as the umbrella term for all different kinds of pickle including mixed pickle. They may also be called relish or condiments. In general when the context is known they can also simply be known as "pickle".
It is usually eaten in small amounts to add flavor and to accent a meal. Pickles can range in flavor, textures, and ingredients.
The art of making pickles dates back hundreds of years. In India, there are many varieties of pickle, and each family makes their own version. They remain popular due to their versatility, complimenting rice, breads, meats, lentil dishes, pappadums and even tortilla chips.
Today many pickles are made commercially since it is a very time involved process to make it at home. Cut pieces of select fruits and vegetables are mixed in a specially prepared spice mix and oil. Fruits and vegetables are cut, washed and sorted prior to mixing with spices and oil. The entire process of cutting, washing, sorting, blending, maturing and container filling is mechanized to ensure high product standards. Pickles may keep for a few months, but most keep for years as long as they stay sterilized and no moisture gets in them.
In Western cuisine, a mixed pickle consists of vegetables, typically including onions, bell peppers and gherkins, suspended in vinegar.[1]