About Indian Pickles
For thousands of years and perhaps since the beginning humans have always been busy inventing something new. Food is also an invention. From eating raw meats to eating cooked food has been a long journey for humanity. Before the fridge was invented, people would follow a lot of methods to preserve the food. Pickling was one of the methods to store the food for a longer period or year. Pickles add that extra zing to the food and take it to the next level. Pickle comes from the Dutch word ‘pekel' which means saltwater. Pickles are often referred to as Achar is one of the main important accompaniments for the main dish. In South, India pickles are thought about more of a ritual to begin a meal with and comprise large varieties from hot, sweet and spicy. South Asian pickles are pickled foods. They are native to the Indian subcontinent and are made from a variety of vegetables and fruits, which are preserved in brine, vinegar, or edible oils along with various Indian spices. The capital of India, New Delhi is home to many centuries-old pickle brands that have maintained its reputation as one of India's best.
When it comes to pickles, India has them all – from the very popular and most well-known mango pickle to lemon pickle, chilly pickle, vegetable pickles, jackfruit pickle, ginger, and garlic pickle – to name just a few. Most types of vegetables are pickled in different parts of India. But, what is not so common across the country are non-vegetarian pickles.
The states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are famous for their spicy pickles such as Aavakaaya, Chintakaaya, and Korivikaram. Usirikaaya and Nimmakaaya are also widely eaten pickles as well. In the state of Karnataka, the tender whole mango pickle is a traditional pickle recipe preserved entirely by dehydrating tender whole mangoes with salt and is very salty and sour.
As everyone seems busy in day to day schedule, one may not find time to prepare by themselves and to preserve them for a long time. Ordering something online is a new trend as people want to urge their fascinating things at their home only and not by going market that waste so precious time. To order pickle online is also one of them which give so much comfort to the pickle lovers and also makes simple to get high-quality pickles. There are many sites available on the web where you can order pickles online in which you can find so many types of pickles such as chicken pickle, fish pickle, sweet mango pickle, green chili pickle, mutton pickle, and many more.
Every grandmother has had her recipe for making Indian pickles that she passed down the generations as a family heirloom. But unlike most grandmas who had a famous mango achar or a signature lime pickle, my grandma was known for her delicious chicken pickles. Yes, the non-vegetarian pickles.
Chicken pickle is originated from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and has quickly become famous in the rest of the Indian states and is catching up to America and Europe too. The pickling of chicken is very much part of the tradition of many families in the states of South India – where a meal without meat is considered incomplete. Kerala is also famous for these kinds of non-vegetarian pickles.
Chicken pickle is an exotic tasty mixture of various spices with chicken pieces. Normal or boneless chicken can be used for making pickles. The pieces are marinated in a ginger garlic mixture and stir fried in low heat until cooked evenly. Then, chilly powder, lemon juice, and spice powder is added to the fried chicken pieces and mixed well. If you want to prepare a low-fat version, do not add more oil. If you want to keep it for longer, it is good to use more oil. A perfect combination with steamed rice, Indian chicken pickle is very popular and sought after dish. Chicken pickle has a good storage period. There are various types of Indian chicken pickle recipes – Andhra chicken recipe, Chicken vindaloo recipe, Chicken pathia recipe, and many more.
Health Benefits
There are so many pickles with abundant nutrients available that can help your body in various ways. Eating freshly made pickles, in general, can benefit your health and provide energy, protein, carbohydrates, fibers, and essential vitamins. Pickles naturally work as antioxidants (it helps in protecting our body from the attacks of free radicals), probiotics which are the gut-friendly antibiotics and also help indigestion. Pickled cucumbers are a great source of healthy probiotic bacteria that improve digestive health. Vinegar-based pickles help in controlling blood sugar levels. Indian pickles might contain high quantities of oil, which increases the risk of fat and cholesterol development in our body. Therefore, the regular intake of these delicious foods must be reduced and must be limited to only occasional consumption.
Indian homemade pickles are really good for your health. Homemade Indian pickle recipes are purely prepared under hygienic environment by using good quality products, natural preservatives and ensured unsaturated oil that suits the health of all age groups. The most common pickle types are mango and lemon. Lemon people are known to be good for digestion. Karonda is used in the ancient Indian herbal system ayurvedic as well as to make pickles to treat indigestion, urinary disorders, diabetic ulcer, etc.
Chicken pickles are the tastiest and are healthy too. They include a good supply of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which contributes to diabetes control, improved digestion, liver protection, a supply of probiotics, and the ability to heal ulcers.
Conclusion
A common fixture on the Indian dining table which can be seen is pickles have always been an essential and very important part of the Indian cuisine. Without pickle on the facet, an essential part will be missing from an Indian thali. All Indian pickles are great. However, non-vegetarian pickles are the best. There are logic and significant taste to the age-old practice. Also, Indian Chicken Pickles in USA has grown popular in many countries.