Indian pickles are not just side dishes; they’re bursts of flavour that bring life to any meal. From the tangy gongurra pickle to the rich and spicy prawn pickle, there’s a wide variety to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking to amp up your rice dishes, or searching for the perfect accompaniment to your biryani, we’ve got you covered with these five must-try Indian pickles.
Key Points
- Discover five unique Indian pickles, including prawn and mutton varieties.
- Learn the best pairings to complement your meals.
- Shop authentic Indian pickles online from Swagath Foods.
1. Prawn Pickle: Savoury & Spicy
Prawn pickle is a seafood lover’s dream. Tender prawns are marinated and cooked in a fiery blend of spices, oil, and tangy vinegar. The result is a salty, spicy pickle that packs a punch and leaves a lingering taste that’s undeniably addictive. It’s a unique choice for anyone looking to break away from the more traditional pickles like mango or lime.
Why You’ll Love It: Prawn pickle offers a depth of flavour that makes it more than just a condiment. The prawn’s natural umami, combined with rich spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek, and turmeric, elevates any dish it’s paired with.
Best Pairings:
- Coconut rice: The richness of coconut rice provides a perfect base for prawn pickle’s spicy, salty flavours.
- Dosa: Add a side of prawn pickle to crispy dosas for a snack with a kick.
- Biryani: Combine the decadence of biryani with prawn pickle for an indulgent treat.
Pro Tip: Swagath Foods offers some of the best prawn pickles around, and they’re available for easy online ordering. Grab a jar here to try it yourself.
2. Chicken Pickle: Tangy & Meaty
Chicken pickle brings together juicy shredded chicken with the boldness of Indian spices. It’s perfect for those days when you want a quick, protein-packed addition to your meal without going through the effort of cooking a full chicken dish. The spices in chicken pickle are carefully balanced to give a tangy, salty, and lightly spicy bite every time.
Why You’ll Love It: Unlike some pickles that lean heavily on salt or spice, chicken pickle offers a well-rounded flavour. The combination of garlic, ginger, and lemon juice gives it a refreshing zest, while the oil preserves the chicken and keeps it juicy.
Best Pairings:
- Chapati: The tanginess of the pickle complements the simplicity of chapati.
- Naan: Scoop up chunks of chicken pickle with naan for a satisfying snack.
- Plain rice: The subtle flavours of steamed rice let the chicken pickle’s spices shine.
Chicken pickle is the perfect choice when you’re in the mood for something meaty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
3. Gongurra Pickle: A Southern Favourite
Gongurra pickle is a southern classic, made from the leaves of the gongurra plant (also known as sorrel). It’s well-loved for its tart, slightly sour flavour, which is balanced with mustard seeds, red chilli powder, and garlic. This pickle isn’t for the faint-hearted—it’s bold, tangy, and has just the right amount of spice.
Why You’ll Love It: Gongurra pickle is perfect for those who love sour flavours. The tang from the gongurra leaves is strong but not overwhelming, and it pairs beautifully with milder dishes that allow its tartness to stand out.
Best Pairings:
- Steamed rice: A spoonful of gongurra pickle on plain rice is a simple yet powerful meal.
- Idli: For a southern breakfast, pair gongurra pickle with soft idlis.
- Pongal: The earthy flavour of pongal (a rice and lentil dish) is brought to life with a spoonful of gongurra pickle.
This pickle is a favourite in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, but thanks to its growing popularity, you can now find it in many Indian kitchens.
4. Mutton Pickle: Rich & Bold
Mutton pickle is not for the faint-hearted. Made with chunks of tender mutton, this pickle is all about indulgence. The mutton is slow-cooked and then preserved in a spiced oil mixture, creating a hearty, deeply satisfying flavour that pairs well with rice or flatbreads.
Why You’ll Love It: This isn’t your average pickle. The richness of mutton combined with aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and black cardamom makes it a luxurious option for any meal.
Best Pairings:
- Biryani: Enhance the bold flavours of biryani by adding a spoonful of mutton pickle on the side.
- Naan: Warm, fluffy naan is the perfect companion for the robust flavours of mutton pickle.
- Pulao: If biryani feels like too much, try a simple pulao with mutton pickle.
Pro Tip: Mutton pickle can be quite rich, so a little goes a long way. A spoonful is enough to transform your meal into a flavour-packed experience.
5. Red Chilli Pickle: For the Heat Seekers
If you can’t get enough of spicy food, red chilli pickle is your jam. Made with whole red chillies, this pickle is as fiery as it gets. The chillies are pickled in a blend of mustard oil, fenugreek seeds, and vinegar, resulting in a tongue-tingling heat that’s balanced with a slight tang.
Why You’ll Love It: The heat from the red chillies is intense, but the pickling process mellows it just enough to keep it from being overwhelming. This pickle is great for adding heat to milder dishes without overpowering them.
Best Pairings:
- Yogurt rice: The coolness of yogurt rice complements the heat of the red chilli pickle, creating a balanced flavour.
- Paratha: Spread a little red chilli pickle on a paratha for a snack that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Samosas: If you’re feeling adventurous, dip your samosas into red chilli pickle instead of the usual chutney.
Pro Tip: If you’re new to red chilli pickle, start with a small amount—it’s easy to underestimate the heat!
Swagath Foods: Your Go-To for Authentic Indian Pickles
Indian pickles are more than just condiments—they’re an experience in themselves. Whether you’re after the savoury prawn pickle or the tangy gongurra pickle, Swagath Foods has got you covered. With their wide selection of authentic Indian pickles, you can add a punch of flavour to your everyday meals. Explore their range and order your favourite pickle for fast delivery.
Shop all Indian pickles here and bring home the taste of India.
Conclusion
Indian pickles are the ultimate flavour enhancers. Whether you’re pairing prawn pickle with biryani or adding a spoonful of red chilli pickle to your paratha, these spicy and tangy treats can elevate any dish. If you haven’t yet explored the wonderful world of Indian pickles, now is the time. Check out the full selection at Swagath Foods and start adding a burst of Indian flavour to your meals today!
FAQs
-
What makes Indian pickles so flavourful?
Indian pickles combine spices, chillies, and tangy ingredients like vinegar and oil, giving them their bold and complex flavours. -
How long can I store Indian pickles?
When kept in a cool, dry place, unopened jars can last for months. Once opened, refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness. -
Are prawn pickles suitable for vegetarians?
No, prawn pickles are made with seafood and are not suitable for vegetarians. -
What meals pair best with gongurra pickle?
Gongurra pickle pairs wonderfully with rice dishes like steamed rice or pongal, and also complements idlis for a traditional southern meal. -
Where can I order authentic Indian pickles online?
You can find a variety of authentic Indian pickles, including prawn and chicken pickles, available for purchase at Swagath Foods.
