Cranberry Achar Recipe: Easy & Tangy Pickle Delight

Welcome to a flavorful journey with our cranberry achar recipe — a delightful twist on traditional Indian pickles that brings a vibrant burst of tangy sweetness to your meals. Cranberries, known for their tart flavor and health benefits, make a fantastic base for achar, combining beautifully with aromatic spices to create a condiment that is as versatile as it is delicious.

Whether you’re a pickle aficionado or a curious beginner, this recipe promises an exciting blend of textures and tastes that will elevate your dining experience.

Perfect for spicing up your lunchbox, accompanying your curries, or adding zest to sandwiches, this cranberry achar is a must-try. The process is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients and easy steps, but the result is extraordinary.

Plus, it stores well, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors long after preparation. Dive in and discover how to make this unique achar that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry achar recipe stands out because it combines the tart, juicy cranberries with the warm, earthy spices typical of Indian pickles. The balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes creates a complex flavor profile that complements a wide range of dishes.

It’s a fantastic way to enjoy cranberries beyond the usual jams and sauces, turning them into a savory treat that can brighten up your meals. Additionally, this achar is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy yet indulgent condiment.

Moreover, the recipe is flexible — you can adjust the spice levels to your preference or experiment with additional flavorings. It’s a great homemade alternative to store-bought pickles, free from preservatives and artificial additives.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup mustard oil (or any neutral oil if unavailable)
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon jaggery or brown sugar (optional, for balanced sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
• Glass jar with airtight lid (for storage)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Mortar and pestle or spice grinder (optional, for toasting and grinding spices)
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for washing cranberries)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. Drain well and set aside to dry completely. Moisture can affect the shelf life of your achar, so ensure they are dry.
2. Toast the spices: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and nigella seeds. Toast them gently until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Grind the spices: Using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, lightly crush the toasted spices. You want to release their aroma and flavor, not turn them into powder.
4. Heat the oil: In the same skillet, heat the mustard oil until it starts to smoke lightly (this removes the raw flavor). Turn off the heat and let it cool for a minute.
5. Mix the cranberries and spices: In a bowl, combine the dried cranberries with the crushed spice mixture, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and jaggery or brown sugar if using. Toss well to coat the berries evenly.
6. Add the oil and acidic components: Pour the warm mustard oil over the cranberry and spice mix. Add the lemon juice and vinegar, stirring everything to combine thoroughly.
7. Jar the achar: Transfer the mixture into a sterilized glass jar. Press down gently to pack the cranberries but avoid crushing them. Seal the jar tightly.
8. Let it mature: Store the jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Allow the achar to mature for at least 3-4 days before consuming. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully over time.
9. Refrigeration & storage: Once opened, keep the achar refrigerated. It can last for up to 3 weeks when stored properly.

Tips & Variations

“For a milder flavor, reduce the red chili powder or omit the mustard oil and use a neutral oil instead. You can also experiment with adding ginger or garlic for an extra zing.”

• Adjust spice levels: Depending on your heat tolerance, you can tweak the amount of chili powder or add dried red chilies for a smokier flavor.
• Sweetness balance: The jaggery or brown sugar helps balance the tartness of cranberries. Feel free to omit it for a more sour pickle.
• Alternative acids: Swap vinegar with tamarind paste or amchur (dry mango powder) for different sour notes.
• Additional spices: Adding cinnamon sticks or cloves can offer a warm undertone to the achar.
• Try dried cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried ones can be used but soak them briefly in warm water to plump them up before starting.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry achar is a vibrant condiment that pairs beautifully with many dishes. It adds a punch of flavor and a pop of color wherever you serve it.

• With Indian meals: Serve it alongside plain rice and dal or curries to add contrast and brightness to the meal.
• As a sandwich spread: Use it in sandwiches or wraps for a tangy, spicy kick that transforms simple veggies or grilled items.
• On cheese platters: Pair with mild cheeses or vegan cheese alternatives for a sweet and spicy complement.
• With snacks: Add a dollop to samosas, pakoras, or even roasted nuts for a new flavor dimension.
• Salad booster: Mix a spoonful into your salad dressings or grain bowls for added zest.

If you are interested in exploring more flavorful vegan recipes, be sure to check out Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or try the refreshing A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals.

For a wholesome grain-based meal, the Brown Rice Recipe VegRecipesOfIndia: Easy & Healthy Meals is another excellent choice.

Conclusion

Our cranberry achar recipe is a wonderful way to reinvent traditional pickling with a fresh, tangy ingredient that bursts with flavor and health benefits. This recipe is simple to prepare and offers a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and slightly sweet notes that can enhance any meal.

It’s versatile, easy to store, and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Whether you’re serving it with your everyday meals or looking to impress guests with a unique condiment, cranberry achar is sure to become a beloved staple. Enjoy the process of making this vibrant achar and share it with friends and family to spread the joy of homemade, flavorful pickles.

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