Garlic and Dates Pickle

A spicy and sweet garlic and dates pickle for all pickle lovers out there. This pickle is made with fresh garlic and dates. You can substitute dates with raisins. Garlic has a strong pungent flavor .But as the pickle sits matures for a few weeks it becomes soft and the intense flavor reduces to a sweet garlic smell,this combined with the sweet dates makes it very appetizing. Try thus you will surely love it.

Ingredients
Garlic-1 cup
Dates whole- 15-20
Chilly powder-4 tbs
(or according to your spice tolerance)
Fenugreek powder-1 tbs
Mustard powder- 2 tsp
Asafoetida- 1 tsp
Salt- to taste
Sugar - 1 tsp
Gingerly oil- 1/3 cup
Vinegar- 1/3 cup

Steam dates for three minutes and keep aside. When it comes to room temperature use paper towel and pat them dry. Peel garlic and keep aside. Here I used whole garlic. You can also slice them.
Note: This recipe is for instant pickle. If you can allow it to mature for a few weeks,there is no need to steam the dates
Heat gingerly oil in a pan and add the garlic and fry till it slightly changes color to golden or till there is a nice aroma. Switch off the flame and after a few seconds, when the oil is still hot 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. Add dates and mix well. Switch off flame,check salt at this stage and finally add the vinegar.. When completely cooled store in air tight jars.

Try this
Hope you will all enjoy!