Fresh Turmeric Pickle

Ingredients:

• 250 grams fresh turmeric, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 5-6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
• 2-3 green chilies, sliced (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/4 cup mustard oil (or any vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds for tempering
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons jaggery or sugar (optional for sweetness)
• Juice of 2 lemons

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Turmeric Peel and thinly slice the fresh turmeric. Wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.

Step 2: Dry Roast Whole Spices In a dry pan, lightly roast mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds until fragrant. Allow them to cool and then grind into a coarse powder.

Step 3: Mix Spices and Prepare Marinade In a bowl, combine the sliced fresh turmeric, garlic, green chilies, ground spice mix, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and jaggery or sugar (if using). Mix well.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice Squeeze the juice of two lemons into the mixture and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Heat Mustard Oil Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches its smoking point. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 6: Temper Mustard Seeds and Asafoetida In a small pan, temper mustard seeds and asafoetida. Add this tempering to the turmeric mixture.

Step 7: Combine Marinade and Oil Pour the slightly cooled mustard oil over the turmeric mixture. Mix everything well.

Step 8: Let It Marinate Transfer the pickle into a sterilized glass jar. Ensure that the turmeric is fully submerged in the oil. Let it marinate for at least a day before consuming.

Enjoy your Fresh Turmeric Pickle as a flavorful and spicy condiment with rice, roti, or any of your favorite dishes. The pickling process enhances the turmeric's natural flavors, creating a delicious and aromatic accompaniment.