There’s nothing quite like the bold, fiery kick of a homemade mixed pickle. A spoonful can transform a simple meal into a flavorful experience, awakening your taste buds with a perfect balance of spice, tang, and aroma. While store-bought options are convenient, nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting your own mixed pickle at home, just the way you like it.
In this post, we’re sharing a foolproof homemade mixed pickle recipe that’s loaded with flavor, made using fresh vegetables and authentic Indian spices. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or a curious beginner, this recipe will help you recreate that nostalgic, homemade taste in your own kitchen.
Why Choose a Homemade Mixed Pickle?
A homemade mixed pickle is more than just a condiment—it's a tradition, a healthful side dish, and a way to preserve seasonal vegetables without using artificial preservatives. Here’s why many prefer making it at home:
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You control the ingredients—no hidden chemicals or flavor enhancers
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You can adjust the spice and sourness to match your taste
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You get to enjoy the therapeutic process of pickling itself
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Homemade pickles often last longer and taste fresher
Pickling is also a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using vegetables that may otherwise go uneaten.
Ingredients for a Spicy & Tangy Homemade Mixed Pickle
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need. You can adjust the quantities based on your preference and available vegetables.
Vegetables (washed, dried, and chopped)
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1 cup raw mango, cubed
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1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
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1 cup cauliflower florets
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½ cup green chilies, slit or chopped
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1 lemon, chopped into small pieces (optional)
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10–12 garlic cloves, peeled
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1-inch ginger, julienned
Spices
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2 tbsp split mustard seeds (yellow or black)
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1 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
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1 tbsp fenugreek seeds (methi)
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1 tsp turmeric powder
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1–2 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
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2 tbsp salt (rock salt preferred)
Oil and Preservatives
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1 to 1.5 cups mustard oil
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Optional: 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice for added shelf life
Step-by-Step Homemade Mixed Pickle Recipe
Step 1: Dry the Vegetables Completely
Start by thoroughly washing all vegetables. Pat them dry with a clean towel, then leave them out for 2–3 hours to air-dry. Moisture is the biggest reason pickles spoil, so this step is crucial.
Step 2: Lightly Roast and Grind Spices
Dry roast mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool and grind them coarsely. Combine with turmeric, chili powder, salt, and hing to make your spice mix.
Step 3: Mix Vegetables with Spices
In a large bowl, add all the dried vegetables. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly and toss well until every piece is coated. This ensures each bite is full of flavor.
Step 4: Add Mustard Oil
Heat mustard oil until it starts to smoke slightly (this removes its pungency). Allow it to cool, then pour it over the spiced vegetables. Mix thoroughly. The oil should coat all ingredients generously. Add vinegar or lemon juice if using.
Step 5: Store the Pickle
Transfer the mixture into a clean, sterilized glass jar. Seal the lid and let it rest in a warm spot (like a sunny windowsill) for 3–5 days. Shake the jar once daily or stir with a clean, dry spoon to ensure even fermentation.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
After about a week, your homemade mixed pickle will be ready to enjoy. It will continue to mature over time, becoming more flavorful with each passing day.
Tips for Best Results
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Always use a dry spoon to serve pickles to avoid introducing moisture
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Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate after opening in humid climates
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Sunlight helps the pickling process, especially in the first few days
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Taste the pickle every few days and adjust oil, salt, or spice if needed
Serving Suggestions
This spicy and tangy mixed pickle pairs wonderfully with:
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Parathas and curd
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Steamed rice and dal
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Khichdi
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Sandwiches and wraps
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Savory pancakes or dosas
A good pickle not only elevates your meal but also adds digestive benefits thanks to its spices and fermentation process.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about opening a jar of homemade mixed pickle — the aroma, the colors, and the satisfaction of having made it yourself. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition, flavor, and self-sufficiency. Once you get the hang of it, you might never go back to store-bought pickles again.
However, if you ever find yourself short on time or ingredients, there’s still a way to enjoy the real deal. At Ojasnature, we create handmade, preservative-free mixed pickles using fresh vegetables and traditional recipes — just like the ones you'd make at home. Every jar is packed with bold flavors, natural ingredients, and the goodness of homemade care.
Visit ojasnature.com to discover our authentic range and bring home the true taste of tradition.
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