AAM KA ACHAR

AAM KA ACHAR
Raw mango pickle, an Indian accompaniment.
Preparation Time : 14-15 days
Cooking Time : 5-10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
Raw mangoes 500 grams

Turmeric powder 2 tablespoons

Salt to taste

Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) 3 tablespoons

Fennel seeds (saunf) 4 tablespoons

Mustard seeds 3 tablespoons

Onion seeds (kalonji) 1 tablespoon

Coriander seeds 2 teaspoons

Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon

Asafoetida a large pinches

Red chilli powder (deghi mirch) 2 tablespoons

Mustard oil 2 cups

METHOD
Wash and wipe the mangoes dry. Cut them into half, remove seed and then cut into one inch sized cubes. Put the pieces in a bowl, add turmeric powder and three tablespoons of salt, mix well and allow to rest for two hours. Drain out excess moisture. Grind fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, half the onion seeds, coriander seeds and cumin seeds to a coarse powder. Add asafoetida, red chilli powder and the remaining salt and mix well.Heat mustard oil in a pan to smoking point, remove and let it cool thoroughly. Mix half of the oil with the coarsely ground powder. Add this to the mango pieces. Mix well to coat the mango pieces. Sprinkle the remaining onion seeds on top and mix. Allow it to stand for three days. On the fourth day transfer it into a porcelain jar, add the remaining oil and mix well. Cover the jar with muslin cloth, tie with a string and let the pickle mature for eight to ten days in sun. Remember to mix the contents at least once a day. You can start using the pickle now. It lasts for one year.