Nelikka Achar/Gooseberry Pickle

Pickles is a spicy condiments and a must in my house. It is long since I made gooseberry pickle. I could not find fresh ones here so finally decided to make pickle with frozen gooseberry. I know it is crazy and not sure about the shelf life of the pickle. So I am planning to store it in refrigerator and serve it as a todu curry for Onam sadhya. But if you are lucky to get fresh ones try this pickle recipe.It is perfect with curd and rice.

Ingredients
Gooseberry/nelikka- 15 large sized ones
Garlic- 15- 20 pods sliced
Mustard seeds- 1/3 tsp
Chilly powder- 4 tbs
(or according to your spice tolerance)
Fenugreek powder- 1 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida- 3/4 tsp
Salt- to taste
Sugar- 1/2 tsp
Gingerly oil- 1/3 cup
Vinegar- 1/3 cup

Steam gooseberry for about four to five minutes till it becomes soft. If you are using the frozen ones,first defrost and place it on paper towels till all moister is absorbed and then steam.
Cut the goose berry into small pieces and discard the seed.
Heat gingerly oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. When it crackles add the sliced garlic and fry for a minute or till there is a nice aroma. Switch off the flame and after a few seconds add all the spice powders, salt and sugar and mix well. It will bubble and the spices will get slightly roasted. Put it back to stove on low flame and mix in the sliced gooseberry and coat well with the mixture. Check salt at this stage and finally add the vinegar and switch off. When completely cooled store in air tight jars.

Note: You can also make this without steaming the gooseberries.You will not be able to use it immediately. Give more time for the pickle to mature.

Try this
Hope you will all enjoy!