South African cuisine has always been known for its diverse flavors and unique recipes. One such recipe that is popular among South Africans is vegetable atchar. This delicious dish is a special kind of pickle that is made with a variety of vegetables and spices. Atchar can be served with any meal, and it is often used as a condiment to add flavor to meats, rice dishes, and curries.
Ingredients
The ingredients for vegetable atchar vary depending on the recipe you use, but the most common ingredients include:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large green pepper, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 cups of chopped cabbage
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 1/4 cup of vinegar
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon of coriander
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of chili flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
To start making your atchar, chop the onion, garlic, green pepper, and carrot. Shred the cabbage into strips. Place all the chopped vegetables in a bowl together.
Step 2: Make the spice mix
In a pan, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to toast for a minute or two in the pan. Once they start popping, add the turmeric, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for a further minute or two until it becomes fragrant. Remove the spices from the heat and allow them to cool down. Once cooled, grind the spices into a fine powder.
Step 3: Mix the vegetables and spices together
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled spices to the vegetables that you had prepared earlier. Add the oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Toss all the ingredients together, making sure the spices are well mixed into the vegetables. Transfer the vegetable mixture into clean sterilized jars and cover with a lid. Allow the atchar to marinate for at least two days before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables make the best atchar. Avoid using vegetables that are old and wilted.
- Sterilize jars: It is important to clean and sterilize the jars before using them to store the atchar. Boil the jars in water for at least 10 minutes and let them dry before use.
- Adjust the spices: Atchar can be made with varying levels of spice. If you want a milder atchar, use less chili flakes and adjust the other spices for taste.
- Vary the vegetables: You can also experiment with the vegetables you use in your atchar. Try using green beans, cauliflower, or broccoli.
- Store properly: Atchar can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to three months. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within a month.
Now that you know how to make vegetable atchar, you can add this tasty condiment to your South African meal! Enjoy!
