Quick and Easy Mooli Gajar Achar Recipe in Just 15 Minutes

As winter sets in, the tradition of making Mooli Gajar Achar (radish and carrot pickle) begins in many households. This blog post presents a simple and quick recipe that takes only 15 minutes to prepare. You won't need to sun-dry the ingredients or put in much effort. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!

Ingredients Needed

• For the Spice Mix:

  • 3 tablespoons mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

• For the Achar:

  • 1/4 cup mustard oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
  • 25 grams garlic (peeled)
  • 25 grams green chilies (slit)
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 2 cups radish (cut into long pieces)
  • 1/2 cup carrot (cut into long pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons dried mango powder (amchur) or lemon juice/vinegar

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix

1. In a pan, dry roast the mustard seeds on low heat for about 8 to 10 seconds until they start to pop.
2. Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, and fennel seeds to the pan.
3. Continue to roast the spices for another 30 seconds until they release a fragrant aroma.
4. Turn off the heat and let the spices cool down slightly.
5. Once cooled, grind the spices coarsely in a grinding jar. Avoid making it too fine; a coarse texture enhances the flavor of the achar.

Step 2: Prepare the Achar Base

1. In a separate pan, heat 1/4 cup of mustard oil until it starts to smoke slightly.
2. Add the peeled garlic and slit green chilies to the hot oil and fry them lightly.
3. Once they are slightly golden, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and asafoetida to the oil. Mix well.

Step 3: Combine the Vegetables

1. Add the cut radish and carrot to the pan. Mix them well with the oil and spices, cooking them just enough to soften slightly without losing their crunch.
2. Add the coarsely ground spice mix, salt, and dried mango powder (or lemon juice/vinegar) to the pan.
3. Stir everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the spices.
4. Cook for just one minute on high flame to avoid releasing too much water from the radish.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. In another pan, heat another 1/4 cup of mustard oil until it is warm but not smoking.
2. Pour this warm oil over the mixed vegetables and spices.
3. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Serving and Storage

Your Mooli Gajar Achar is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately or store it in an airtight container. This achar can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks without spoiling. If you prefer, you can make a smaller batch to consume within a few days without refrigeration.

Conclusion

This quick and easy Mooli Gajar Achar recipe is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals. It requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Try this recipe and delight your family with this tasty pickle!