This traditional pickle is made with fresh green chilies, carefully slit and filled with a spiced mixture, then cured in mustard oil for a punchy taste that lingers on the palate. If you've ever wanted to make this fiery treat at home, you're in the right place.
In India, pickle-making is not just about taste—it's a ritual passed down through generations. From the famous homemade mango achar to the sharp bite of homemade amla pickle, Indian kitchens are known for their pickle varieties. However, the charm of homemade achar lies in its freshness, personal touch, and absence of artificial preservatives.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through a simple and authentic recipe for stuffed hari mirch ka achar. You’ll also get helpful tips on storing, serving, and customizing this flavorful pickle.
Why Choose Stuffed Green Chili Pickle?
Stuffed green chili pickle stands out for its layered taste. It’s not just spicy—it’s aromatic, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Here's why many prefer making it at home:
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It’s quick and easy
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Requires minimal ingredients
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Has a long shelf life
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Easily customizable to taste
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Pairs well with almost every Indian dish
You’ll find many options for online best pickle, but homemade still rules when it comes to authenticity and health benefits.
Ingredients for Stuffed Hari Mirch Ka Achar
To make this homemade pickle, you need:
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250 g thick green chilies (mild or medium spice)
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2 tbsp mustard seeds (split or crushed)
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2 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
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1 tbsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
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1 tbsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
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1 tsp turmeric powder
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1 tsp asafoetida (hing)
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2 tbsp red chili powder (optional)
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Salt to taste (preferably rock salt)
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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200 ml mustard oil
These are pantry staples in many Indian homes and are commonly used in other recipes like homemade mango pickle or homemade amla achar.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
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Wash green chilies thoroughly.
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Pat them dry with a clean cloth.
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Cut a vertical slit in each chili, keeping the top and bottom ends intact.
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Optional: Remove seeds to reduce heat.
Make sure there's no moisture on the chilies. Wet ingredients can spoil the pickle.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
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Lightly roast mustard, fennel, fenugreek, and nigella seeds on low heat.
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Let them cool.
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Grind them coarsely using a mortar and pestle or mixer.
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Add turmeric, hing, salt, and red chili powder.
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Mix in lemon juice to form a thick paste.
This aromatic mix is the heart of the stuffed hari mirch ka achar.
Step 3: Stuff the Chilies
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Take each slit chili and carefully stuff the spice paste inside.
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Press gently so the filling stays in place.
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Repeat the process for all chilies.
Stuffing might take some time but ensures bold flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add Mustard Oil
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Heat mustard oil in a pan until it just begins to smoke.
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Let it cool slightly.
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Pour a few tablespoons over the stuffed chilies to coat them.
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Transfer everything to a dry glass jar.
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Add more cooled mustard oil to submerge the chilies.
Mustard oil adds flavor and acts as a natural preservative—just like in other homemade achar varieties.
Step 5: Cure the Pickle
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Seal the jar tightly.
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Keep it in sunlight for 4 to 5 days.
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Shake the jar daily to mix the spices well.
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After 5 days, the pickle will be ready to eat.
Curing in the sun enhances the flavors and helps the chilies absorb the spices.
Storage Tips
For long-lasting flavor, follow these storage rules:
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Always use a dry spoon
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Store in a cool, dry place after curing
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Keep the chilies submerged in oil
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Top up with fresh mustard oil if needed
With proper care, this homemade achar can last up to 6 months.
How to Serve Stuffed Green Chili Pickle
This spicy delight goes well with:
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Steamed rice and dal
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Parathas or rotis
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Khichdi
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Poori bhaji
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Upma or poha
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Curd rice
Just a small piece is enough to elevate the meal.
Variations You Can Try
Want to experiment? Try these twists:
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Add crushed garlic to the spice mix
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Mix in dry mango powder for extra tang
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Use small round chilies instead of long ones
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Add a bit of jaggery for a sweet and spicy flavor
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Blend with homemade mango pickle or amla achar for a mixed achar style
These simple tweaks can give you multiple versions of this online best pickle alternative.
Homemade vs Online Pickles
With rising interest in online homemade achar, many brands offer readymade stuffed chili pickles. However, homemade has its own charm:
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No artificial colors or preservatives
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Custom spice levels
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Fresher and healthier
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More cost-effective in the long run
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Brings a sense of tradition and satisfaction
If you’re short on time, online best pickle sellers offer convenience. But if you enjoy cooking, nothing beats making your own.
Health Benefits of Homemade Pickle
In moderation, stuffed hari mirch ka achar offers some nutritional value too:
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Chilies aid digestion and boost metabolism
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Mustard seeds and oil are good for the heart
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Fennel and fenugreek improve gut health
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No preservatives means fewer chemical additives
It’s not just tasty—it’s also a smart addition to your meals.
Final Thoughts
Making stuffed hari mirch ka achar at home is easier than you think. With basic ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a spicy, flavorful pickle that lasts for months. It’s the perfect way to spice up everyday meals without extra effort.
Whether you're an experienced home cook or trying pickling for the first time, this recipe is a great place to start. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to other favorites like homemade mango achar, homemade amla pickle, or even kathal ka achar.
Ready to begin? Gather your chilies, heat the mustard oil, and enjoy the journey of making your own traditional Indian homemade pickle—flavorful, fiery, and full of love.
