Indian pickles, known for their bold flavours and aromatic spices, are an integral part of Indian cuisine. These pickles, also referred to as "achar" in Hindi, are made using a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and even seafood, combined with a blend of spices and oils. They add a burst of tanginess and spice to meals, complementing a wide range of dishes from simple rice and dal to elaborate curries and biryanis.
Among the diverse array of Indian pickles, the prawn pickle stands out as a savoury delicacy that combines the goodness of seafood with the piquancy of traditional pickle flavours. This tantalising pickle features succulent prawns marinated in a flavourful blend of spices, oils, and apple cider vinegar, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes and textures. Prawn pickle offers a unique twist to traditional pickles, making it a favourite among seafood enthusiasts and pickle aficionados alike.
Homemade pickles hold a special place in Indian households, where recipes are passed down through generations, each with its unique blend of flavours and techniques. Crafting pickles at home allows for full control over the ingredients used, ensuring freshness and authenticity with every bite.
Additionally, homemade pickles are free from preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought varieties, making them a healthier and more wholesome option. The process of making pickles at home also fosters a sense of tradition and culinary creativity, turning ordinary ingredients into culinary delights that can be enjoyed with family and friends.
List of Ingredients for Prawn Pickle:
To prepare the tantalising prawn pickle, you'll need the following ingredients:
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Prawns: Succulent and deveined, providing a delightful seafood base for the pickle.
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Mustard Seeds: Adding a distinct nutty flavour and aroma to the pickle.
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Mustard Oil: Infusing the pickle with its characteristic pungent taste and enhancing preservation.
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Turmeric Powder: Providing vibrant colour and subtle earthy notes to the pickle.
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Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the prawns to a golden brown perfection.
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Curry Leaves: Adding a fragrant and aromatic touch to the pickle.
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Fenugreek Seeds: Offering a hint of bitterness and depth of flavour to the pickle.
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Sesame Oil: Contributing a rich and nutty essence to the pickle.
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Cumin Seeds: Providing warm and earthy undertones to the pickle.
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Red Chilli Powder: Infusing the pickle with fiery heat and vibrant colour.
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Green Chillies: Adding a fresh and spicy kick to the pickle.
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Garlic: Enhancing the pickle with its pungent and savoury flavour.
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Vinegar: Providing acidity and tanginess to balance the flavours of the pickle.
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Salt: Enhancing the overall taste and acting as a preservative.
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Ginger: Adding a zesty and aromatic touch to the pickle.
Importance of Each Ingredient:
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Prawns: Serve as the main ingredient, imparting a delightful seafood flavour to the pickle.
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Spices (mustard seeds, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, red chilli powder): Infuse the pickle with aromatic and flavourful notes, essential for authentic Indian pickles.
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Oils (mustard oil, vegetable oil, sesame oil): Act as preservatives, enhance flavour, and contribute to the texture of the pickle.
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Curry Leaves: Provide a distinct aroma and flavour characteristic of Indian cuisine.
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Green Chillies: Add heat and freshness to the pickle, enhancing its overall taste.
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Vinegar: Acts as a natural preservative and imparts tanginess to the pickle, balancing the flavours.
Availability in Local Grocery Stores:
Most of the ingredients required for making prawn pickles are readily available in local grocery stores, especially those with an Asian or Indian food section. Common items such as prawns, spices, oils, vinegar, and fresh produce like ginger and garlic can be easily sourced.
However, for specific items like curry leaves or mustard oil, you may need to visit specialty stores or purchase them online. Overall, with a trip to your local grocery store or a quick online search, you can gather all the ingredients needed to create this delectable prawn pickle in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Pickle Cooked Prawns:
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Prepping the Prawns:
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Start by cleaning the prawns thoroughly, removing the shells and deveining them.
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Pat the prawns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Frying the Prawns:
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Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Once the oil is hot, add the prawns in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
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Fry the prawns until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides.
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Remove the fried prawns from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Cooling the Prawns:
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Allow the fried prawns to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding with the pickling process.
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Detailed Process of Making Prawn Pickle:
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Tempering the Spices:
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Heat mustard oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
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Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves to the hot oil.
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Fry the spices until they become aromatic and the mustard seeds start to splutter.
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Adding Aromatics:
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Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
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Incorporating the Flavours:
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Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt to the pan.
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Stir well to combine all the spices and aromatics, allowing them to infuse into the oil.
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Combining with Prawns:
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Add the fried prawns to the pan and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the spice mixture.
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Adding Vinegar:
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Pour vinegar over the prawns and spices, ensuring they are fully submerged.
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Stir well and simmer the mixture for a few minutes until the flavours meld together.
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Cooling and Storing:
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Remove the pan from the heat and allow the prawn pickle mixture to cool completely.
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Transfer the cooled pickle into a clean, sterilized glass jar, ensuring the prawns are submerged in the flavourful oil and spices.
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Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.
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Tips for Perfecting the Pickle-Making Process:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that all the ingredients, especially the prawns and spices, are fresh and of high quality for the best flavour.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies according to your preferred level of spiciness.
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Sterilize Jars Properly: Before storing the pickle, sterilize the glass jars and lids thoroughly to prevent any contamination and spoilage.
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Allow Flavours to Develop: Let the pickle sit for at least a day or two before consuming to allow the flavours to develop and intensify.
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Shake the Jar: Occasionally shake the sealed jar gently to ensure that the prawns are evenly coated with the flavourful oil and spices.
By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you can create a batch of mouthwatering prawn pickles that are bursting with flavour and perfect for enjoying your favourite Indian dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Prawn Pickle:
Serve prawn pickle as a delightful accompaniment to various Indian meals such as rice, dal, or roti. Its tangy and spicy flavours will complement the simplicity of these dishes perfectly. Additionally, use prawn pickles as a zesty condiment to elevate snacks like samosas, pakoras, or sandwiches. Its bold flavours will add an extra dimension to these savoury treats. Sprinkle prawn pickles over appetisers like chaats or bhel puri to add a burst of flavour and texture. Its crunchy texture and spicy kick will enhance the overall experience of these snacks. Furthermore, incorporate prawn pickles into fusion dishes such as tacos, wraps, or salads for a unique twist. Its vibrant flavours will add depth and complexity to these global cuisines.
Pairing Options with Other Dishes:
Pair prawn pickles with rich and creamy curries like butter chicken or paneer tikka masala. Its tangy and spicy notes will cut through the richness of the dish, creating a harmonious balance of flavours. Additionally, serve prawn pickles alongside fragrant rice dishes like biryanis or pulao. Its bold flavours will complement the aromatic spices of the rice, enhancing the overall taste experience. For seafood lovers, pair prawn pickles with other seafood delicacies such as grilled fish or seafood kebabs. Its seafood-forward flavours will enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood, creating a symphony of tastes. Lastly, incorporate prawn pickles into vegetarian dishes like stuffed bell peppers or potato patties. Its savoury and spicy profile will add depth of flavour to these meatless options, making them more satisfying and flavourful.
By exploring these serving suggestions and pairing options, you can unleash the full potential of prawn pickle and elevate your dining experience with its bold and vibrant flavours.
Swagath Foods: Your Source for Authentic Indian Pickles
Swagath Foods is your ultimate destination for authentic Indian flavours, offering a wide range of premium-quality pickles and condiments. With a commitment to preserving traditional recipes and using the finest ingredients, Swagath Foods brings the taste of India to your door. Our products are crafted with care and expertise, ensuring every jar is filled with the rich, aromatic flavours of Indian cuisine.
At Swagath Foods, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of Indian pickles, including the mouthwatering prawn pickle. Made with succulent prawns and a blend of aromatic spices, our prawn pickle is a true delicacy that captures the essence of Indian culinary heritage. Whether you're craving the fiery heat of red chillies or the tangy zest of vinegar, our prawn pickle delivers an unforgettable taste experience.
In addition to prawn pickles, Swagath Foods offers a variety of other Indian pickles, ranging from classic mango pickles to tangy lemon pickles and everything in between. Each jar is carefully crafted to perfection, ensuring authentic flavours and uncompromising quality.
With our online platform, you can conveniently browse our selection of Indian pickles and have them delivered straight to your door anywhere in Australia. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to elevate your culinary creations or simply craving a taste of home, Swagath Foods is here to satisfy your craving for authentic Indian flavours. Experience the convenience of online shopping coupled with the unmatched taste of Swagath Foods' Indian pickles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prawn pickle stands as a testament to the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine. Its succulent prawns marinated in a symphony of spices, oils, and vinegar create a tantalising blend of tastes and textures that are both irresistible and unforgettable. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, condiment, or ingredient in fusion recipes, prawn pickle never fails to delight the taste buds with its bold and vibrant flavours. Its simplicity in preparation makes it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels, allowing everyone to experience the joy of creating and savouring this delectable delicacy.
We encourage you to embark on the culinary journey of making prawn pickles at home. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can experience the joy of creating a homemade delicacy that will impress family and friends alike. Let the aroma of spices fill your kitchen as you prepare this traditional Indian pickle, knowing that each jar holds the promise of culinary delight and cherished memories.
However, if you prefer convenience without compromising on authenticity, we invite you to explore Swagath Foods for a wide selection of authentic Indian pickles online. From classic favourites to innovative creations, our range of pickles captures the essence of Indian flavours and delivers them straight to your doorstep. Don't stress about making pickles at home when you can buy them online from Swagath Foods. Discover the taste of India with Swagath Foods and elevate your culinary experience with every bite.
In conclusion, whether you choose to make prawn pickles at home or indulge in the convenience of online shopping with Swagath Foods, we hope you'll savour every moment and embrace the rich tapestry of flavours that Indian cuisine has to offer. Happy pickling and happy eating!
