A dinnertime staple - Karonde ka achaar is so close to my heart

Do you remember the distinctive taste of a pickle you had ages ago, that you can never seem to find in the markets today? Karonda achaar is something that’s rare, indigenous, and extremely difficult to get your hands on. So, you repressed the memory of this delicious pickle and convinced yourself that the only time you will ever have it again is when you visit your hometown.

But at MOLO, we could never get enough of the alluring flavours and vowed to recreate the luscious, mouth-watering pickle once again. After using our heirloom recipes, gathering all the tropical ingredients, and getting ma’s approval, we were successful in making and perfecting My Bhabhi’s Karonda Pickle!

The recipe comprises fresh and nutritious ingredients that are able to naturally balance each other out. Karonda has a unique flavour profile- sour and acidic, which when carefully amalgamated with red chillies and fine spices, is able to produce delicious chutneys, tarts, and pickles. In fact, it is the authenticity of the ingredients that gives this pickle its zesty and punchy flavour.

 

Is Karonda Pickle good for you? 

Karonda pickle has been eaten for generations, and not only for its exclusive, dynamic flavour, but also for its medicinal properties and health benefits. So why should we include this pickle in our diet? Here are 5 reasons why this pickle should be eaten along with your everyday meals:

Loaded with antioxidants

Loaded with antioxidants and minerals, Vitamin C, B and Iron, the nutritional profile of Karonda Pickle makes it a great “diet balancer”

Beneficial for liver health

It is a great astringent, a fever reducer, and is also beneficial for liver health

Rich in fiber

It is rich in fiber, so it makes for a good natural remedy for stomach-related ailments including treatment of ulcers, diarrhoea, and constipation

Has antibacterial properties

Karonda has anti-bacterial effects, which helps in combating certain infections and keeping food fresh for longer periods of time

Has anti-inflammatory

Last but definitely not least, it is anti-inflammatory in nature, and can thus help in suppressing toxic agents in the body

How is Karonda Pickle made? 

Karonda

If you’ve never heard of it before, karonda is a type of berry that is grown in scattered parts across the country and is known for its unique tangy taste. It has numerous health benefits: it’s a rich source of iron and highly recommended for anaemia patients, and is also loaded with Vitamin C. Karonda is an analgesic, which means that it is a good natural treatment for diarrhoea, and it also highly beneficial for liver health since it stops excess secretion of bile

Turmeric

When you were injured as a child you must have definitely been coerced to drink haldi ka doodh by your mother and grandmothers- and all for good reason. Turmeric has bioactive compounds that help the body fight against the after-effects of oxidation. It helps in fighting age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart ailments. Turmeric is also packed with antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory in nature, which means it plays an important role in fighting a host of chronic illnesses

Carom Seeds (Ajwain)

Used as cooking spice in Indian households, carom seeds not only enhance the flavours of food but also have a lot of health-related advantages. Firstly, they are known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Ajwain is also used as a natural remedy for treating stomach-related afflictions such as ulcers, sores and indigestion. A lot of studies have been conducted to demonstrate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of carom seeds, which ensures a long shelf-life of the food it is used in, including pickles

Red Chilli

Can you imagine Indian cuisine without a little red hot chilli? Adding chilli to your diet can prove to be very valuable for your health for a number of reasons. They contribute towards good cardiovascular health by maintaining your cholesterol levels and also increase production of haemoglobin. Red chillies can actually help you keep a check on your weight because it reduces food craving and increases metabolism. They are also known to keep the digestive system healthy because of their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

 

Fenugreek

Fenugreek, or locally known as methi, is a good source of iron and magnesium that contribute considerably in the digestive process. It also helps manage diabetes, cholesterol levels, as well as boost stamina

Fennel Seeds

By including fennel seeds in our recipe, we have made sure to keep it delicious as well as nutritious, given its generous content of magnesium, manganese and calcium. Fennel seeds are a great remedy for diarrhoea and constipation because it is extremely rich in fibre

What do you eat Karonda Pickle with?

This delicious pickle is diverse and dynamic, and can be enjoyed with lots of dishes that bring out the best flavours and make every meal a wholesome experience. Here are some suggestions on what Karonda Pickle is best had with:

Pulao

A little bit of Karonda pickle with the aromatic, luscious blend of steamed vegetables in pulao, will give a delightful spin to a daily meal and make it more exciting

Thepla

Famous in Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan, methi or besan ka theplas are like bread and butter to Indians. By adding an acidic element with a sweet aftertaste, you will find yourself getting hooked to this unique combination

Missi Roti

A savoury treat that goes great with almost any sabji or saag. This flatbread combination needs a zesty makeover, and adding a dollop of Karonda Pickle will give the dish a whole new personality

Methi Paratha

Another staple for every household. It’s true methi paratha can get boring if you have it repeatedly day after day, but there are a few ways you can spice things up (one being sweet, sour, citrusy Karonda pickle)

    Karonda pickle is truly magical. All it takes is one tiny serving along with your meal to transport you back to the first time you had it; but will leave you equally amazed and mesmerized as the first time. This jar of pickle doesn’t just encapsulate a traditional recipe so loved and cherished, it also elicits the same emotions as it did before: the comforting feeling of familiarity, home, and a hearty meal.

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