Good evening to all my dear Hive friends! How are you doing today?

Today, I’m preparing something quite special – a delicious Sri Lankan-style achcharu (pickle). Known locally as a must-have side dish, this traditional delicacy brings a unique burst of flavor that’s spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet – perfect for any meal.

Bursting with bold local spices, this achcharu is surprisingly easy to make. It uses a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, vinegar, mustard seeds, and chilies – ingredients that truly bring out the soul of Sri Lankan culinary heritage. This homemade version not only elevates your table, but also connects you with generations of flavor and tradition.

So let’s get into it and see how to prepare this timeless favorite!

Ingredients...

🍁 carrots 200g.
🍁 3 large fish chili peppers.
🍁 A small piece of onion.
🍁 1 teaspoon of sugar.
🍁 About 10 green chilies.
🍁 5 Tablespoon of tomato-sauce.
🍁 3 Tablespoon of Vinegar.
🍁 1 teaspoon of Chili powder.
🍁 1/2 teaspoon of Pepper powder.
🍁 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder.
🍁 Salt as needed.
🍁 1 tablespoon ginger and turmeric paste.

The order of preparation.

First, take a cup and add 3 tablespoons of vinegar. To this, add chili powder, black pepper powder, mustard powder, salt, ginger and garlic paste, and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Next, cut the fish chilies and carrots into thin strips or desired shapes, as illustrated in the images below, to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Next, transfer the prepared vinegar mixture into a clay pot. Then add the sliced carrots, fish chilies, onions, and green chilies. Mix everything well. Before adding the green chilies, make a small cut in each one to help them absorb the vinegar more effectively.

Finally, mix in a generous spoonful of tomato sauce, combine thoroughly, and cover the dish. Allow it to marinate for approximately 15 hours so the flavors can deepen and blend beautifully. Once it's ready, serve and enjoy!

So, by preparing this quick and flavorful achcharu, you're not only adding vibrant color and taste to your meal, but also preserving the essence of traditional Sri Lankan flavors in every bite. Perfect for festive gatherings or everyday enjoyment, this homemade achcharu will quickly become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.