Spicy Garlic Pickle

This is an easy, tasty, and spicy garlic pickle, the flavor and aroma of this pickle is out of the world! This is a vegan pickle and can be served with stuffed flatbreads or cooked grains. This can be added to mayo to make dressing or dipping sauce.

Garlic doesn't need any introduction. It adds flavor and aroma to any food. Any dish gets an extra kick in flavors when garlic is used. The health benefits of garlic are well known and there is no need to reiterate it. Soups, to curries, fritters to main entre, this bulb makes a whole lot of difference in flavor.

Garlic pickles and chutneys are quite common in Indian cuisine. Pickles are amazing to have with stuffed parathas like Sprouts Stuffed Paratha, Tofu Paratha, Broccoli Carrot and Cheddar Paratha. Plain or regular flatbread roti can also be served with this pickle, when you do not have time to make anything. In fact, my kids love this pickle with simple yogurt rice. Easy comfort meal!

I prefer to use sesame oil for pickles, but olive oil works in this recipe. Similarly, the other preference when it comes to pickles is that I would like to roast the dried red chilies, grind them and use. It is a great idea to add a couple of Kashmiri red chilies as it would give a deeper color. The type of the chili used also determines how spicy the pickle is. The dried red chilies that I used here are super spicy. If you do not have the time or patience to do this, perfectly fine, use cayenne or any other preferred chili powder. Fenugreek can be dry roasted and  powdered. This adds aroma as well as adjusts the heat from the chilies.

I also prefer to chop the garlic into two or three depending on its size. In this way, this pickle can also be added to burgers or wraps too. This can be made with whole garlic cloves too, it is just a personal option.

This pickle is easy to make. If you have peeled garlic ready, then in the next fifteen minutes this pickle can be made. It needs tempering, followed by cooking it on the pan, adding the spices, followed by the addition of lemon juice. The salt, lemon juice, and chili powder flavor balance is YUMMY! This pickle can be stored best in the refrigerator for even up to 3 months. 

April 19th is National Garlic Day!  We celebrate special food holidays in our Festive Foodies group and the flavor enhancing garlic gets celebrated today in our group.  Jolene is hosting this event and we are sharing lip-smacking foods with garlic being the star of the recipe!

The addition of this amazing bulb is loved in any recipe. The flavor is enhanced by multiple folds even if garlic infused oil is used. Garlic Oil Noodles is a simple and comforting meal that can be made very quickly and with ultimate flavors. Roasted garlic takes the flavors to another level. This Spicy Cheesy No Knead Roasted Garlic Sourdough Bread is a proof for that. Just like the noodles, this simple Garlic Butter Paratha is an easy and flavorful paratha, and I must warn you that you may need to make more of this paratha. It will be gone in a flash with the family members wanting more. The mighty power of GARLIC!!

Ingredients

To Roast and Grind

Oil - 1 tsp

Dried red chili - 3/4 cup

Kashmiri red chili - 2

For the Pickle

Oil - 3/4 cup

Mustard seeds - 1 and 1/4 tsp

Asafetida - 1/4 tsp

Garlic, chopped - 4 cups

Salt - 3.5 tsp

Lemon juice - 1/2 cup

Turmeric - 1/4 tsp

Fenugreek powder - 1/4 tsp

Chili powder - from above

Method

Heat a teaspoon oil, sauté the red chilies, cool, and grind to a powder. Set aside.

Heat the pan with oil, add the mustard seeds and when it splutters add the asafetida. Fry for 30 seconds.

Add the chopped garlic, cook with stirring now and then for 8-10 minutes, until the garlic is cooked.

Add the salt, fenugreek powder, turmeric, and the roasted chili powder. Mix and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

Switch off the flame and let the mixture cool a little. Add the lemon juice, mix and set aside.

Pack in bottles and use as necessary. The pickle can be stored in refrigerator.

Here are the quick links to fantastic garlic recipes. Check these out. Thanks, Jolene for hosting!

Best Chinese Garlic Sauce by Jen Around the World

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes by Karen's Kitchen Stories

Garlic and https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2012/12/garlic-mashed-potatoes.html#morePineapple Glazed Ham by A Day in the Life on the Farm

Garlic Shrimp Burgers by Cindy's Recipes and Writings

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs by Palatable Pastime

Roasted Garlic Kale Hummus by The Spiffy Cookie

Skillet Potatoes with Bell Peppers and Garlic by Jolene's Recipe Journal

Spicy Garlic Pickle by Magical Ingredients