Ambazhanga Vella Achar / Hog Plum White Pickle

Ingredients:

15-18 ambazhanga / hog plums

2 tbsp ginger, finely chopped

8 big garlic cloves, chopped

5-6 big green chillies, chopped ( or 15-18 kanthari mulaku / birds eye chillies )

1 sprig curry leaves

1/4 tsp fenugreek powder

1 tsp asafoetida powder

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

salt to taste

2 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp mustard seeds

1/4 cup gingely oil / sesame oil

Preparation:

1. Chop the hog plums into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, add the chopped chopped hog plums and salt, mix well and keep it covered for a day.
3. Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds and add fenugreek seeds.
4. Add curry leaves, chopped green chillies, ginger and garlic and saute till the raw smell disappears.
5. Add turmeric powder and asafoetida powder and mix well.
6. Add vinegar and 2 tbsp water and mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Then add salted hog plums, mix well and cook for a minute and switch off the flame.
8. Cool completely and store in an airtight glass jar/ bharani...It tastes best after one day...

• Add the chillies more or less to your spice level...