Garlic Pickle Recipe

Garlic Pickle Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 5. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Chef Ashok on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 23 min | Cook: 21 min | Total: 2 hrs 59 min

Cost: $15.47 total, $3.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Garlic (large cloves, skin removed, cut into halves lengthwise)
  • 2 tablespoons Black Mustard Seeds (roasted lightly)
  • 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard Seeds (roasted lightly)
  • 1 tablespoon Fennel Seeds (coarse, roasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Fenugreek Seeds (whole, roasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Kalonji (Nigella Seeds) (roasted)
  • 1 teaspoon Ajwain (Carom Seeds) (roasted)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground, bright orange)
  • 1 teaspoon Amchur Powder (dry mango powder for tanginess)
  • 1 tablespoon Salt (regular table salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Salt (adds a subtle sulfur note)
  • 1 pinch Asafoetida (Hing) (helps digestion)
  • 10 leaves Curry Leaves (fresh, for aroma)
  • 480 ml Mustard Oil (2 cups, preferably cold‑pressed)
  • 30 ml Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar (2‑3 tablespoons, adds acidity)

Instructions

  1. Peel and Slice Garlic

    Trim the root and tip of each garlic clove, separate the cloves, and slice each clove lengthwise to expose the interior. Remove any loose outer skins.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sun‑Dry Garlic

    Spread the sliced garlic in a single layer on a clean tray and place it in direct sunlight for about 2 hours, turning once halfway through.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: 25°C

  3. Roast Whole Spices

    Heat a non‑stick pan over medium‑low flame. Add black mustard seeds, yellow mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, kalonji, and ajwain. Roast, stirring constantly, until the seeds turn aromatic and the fennel slightly darkens (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑Low

  4. Cool and Grind Spices

    Transfer the roasted spices to a bowl, let them cool for 2 minutes, then grind coarsely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Heat Mustard Oil

    In the same pan, add the mustard oil and heat until it begins to smoke lightly (about 5 minutes). This reduces the raw pungency.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Combine Spices with Oil

    Reduce the flame to low, add the ground spice mixture to the hot oil, stirring quickly for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Add Turmeric, Amchur, Salt & Hing

    Stir in turmeric powder, amchur powder, regular salt, black salt, and a pinch of hing. Cook for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Cook Garlic in Spiced Oil

    Add the sun‑dried garlic pieces to the pan, mixing to coat each piece. Cook on medium flame for 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns a light golden hue and becomes slightly soft.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  9. Finish with Acid

    Remove the pan from heat, add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, and stir well to distribute the acidity.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Pack into Jar

    Transfer the hot garlic and oil mixture into a sterilized glass jar, pressing the garlic down so it is fully submerged in oil. Seal the jar tightly.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Sun‑Cure the Pickle

    Place the sealed jar in direct sunlight for 15‑20 days, shaking the jar once daily to redistribute the spices.

    Time: PT15D

    Temperature: 25°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
1 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Mustard, Fenugreek

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Garlic Pickle Recipe

Recipe by Cooking With Chef Ashok

A traditional North Indian garlic pickle made with mustard oil, roasted mustard seeds, fennel, fenugreek and a blend of spices. The pickle is sun‑dried for a couple of hours, then cooked briefly to develop flavor. It aids digestion and can be stored for weeks.

MediumIndianServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 22m
Prep
18m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
2h 59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.47
Total cost
$3.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Peeling and slicing garlic without crushing the cloves.
  • Roasting whole spices until aromatic but not burnt.
  • Heating mustard oil just until it smokes, then removing from heat.
  • Cooking garlic for only 8‑10 minutes to retain texture.
  • Ensuring garlic is fully submerged in oil before sealing the jar.

Safety Warnings

  • Mustard oil fumes are strong; ensure good ventilation.
  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sterilized jar to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lahsun Ka Achar in Indian cuisine?

A

Garlic pickle, known as Lahsun Ka Achar, is a traditional North Indian condiment that dates back centuries. It was originally prepared to preserve garlic through winter and to aid digestion, especially after heavy meals. The use of mustard oil and mustard seeds reflects the agrarian roots of Punjab and surrounding regions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lahsun Ka Achar in Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the pickle is made with mustard oil, mustard seeds, and fenugreek, giving a pungent flavor. In Gujarat, a sweeter version adds jaggery and uses sesame oil. In South India, garlic is sometimes combined with red chilies and tamarind for a spicier, tangier profile.

cultural
Q

How is Lahsun Ka Achar authentically served in Punjabi households?

A

Punjabi families typically serve the pickle alongside roti, paratha, or dal. A small spoonful is taken with each bite to add a burst of flavor and aid digestion. It is also offered during festive meals and as a welcome snack for guests.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is Lahsun Ka Achar traditionally prepared in Indian culture?

A

Garlic pickle is often prepared during harvest festivals like Baisakhi and around winter holidays when fresh garlic is abundant. It is also made before family weddings to ensure a supply of a long‑lasting condiment for the celebrations.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Lahsun Ka Achar versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional Lahsun Ka Achar relies on fresh garlic, mustard oil, black and yellow mustard seeds, fenugreek, fennel, and kala namak. Acceptable substitutes include using vegetable oil instead of mustard oil, or replacing fenugreek seeds with a pinch of kasuri methi, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Lahsun Ka Achar?

A

Lahsun Ka Achar pairs beautifully with butter chicken, dal makhani, sarson ka saag, and plain basmati rice. It also complements Indian flatbreads like naan, tandoori roti, and paratha, adding a sharp contrast to rich gravies.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lahsun Ka Achar at home?

A

Common errors include over‑roasting the spices, which makes them bitter, and cooking the garlic too long, resulting in a mushy texture. Also, failing to fully submerge the garlic in oil can cause mold growth.

technical
Q

Why does this Lahsun Ka Achar recipe use mustard oil instead of a neutral oil?

A

Mustard oil provides a distinctive pungent flavor and natural preservative qualities that enhance the pickle’s shelf life. Its high smoke point also allows brief heating without breaking down, unlike neutral oils which lack the characteristic bite.

technical
Q

Can I make Lahsun Ka Achar ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After packing the garlic in oil, seal the jar and let it sun‑cure for 15‑20 days. Once cured, store the pickle in a cool pantry or refrigerator; it will keep for up to three months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Chef Ashok specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking With Chef Ashok specializes in authentic Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional recipes, health‑benefiting preparations, and step‑by‑step guidance for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Chef Ashok's approach to Indian pickling differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Chef Ashok emphasizes natural preservation methods like sun‑drying and minimal use of artificial preservatives, while also explaining the health benefits of each spice. This scientific‑yet‑accessible style sets the channel apart from others that may rely on quick‑pickling shortcuts.

channel

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