There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own pickles at home. From selecting fresh vegetables to blending your favorite spices, crafting a homemade mixed pickle is not just about preserving food — it’s about preserving tradition, taste, and health. If you’ve ever craved that perfect mix of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, there’s no better way to enjoy it than by making your own batch at home.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating an authentic homemade mixed pickle using fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Indian spices.
Why Make Mixed Pickle at Home?
While there are plenty of pickle brands available online and in stores, nothing quite compares to the taste and quality of a homemade batch. Here's why:
-
Total Control: You decide what goes in — no artificial preservatives, excessive salt, or synthetic flavors.
-
Custom Flavor: Adjust spice, oil, and sourness to suit your taste.
-
Freshness Guaranteed: You use vegetables and spices at their peak.
-
Cultural Connection: Making pickles the traditional way is a cherished part of many Indian households.
So if you’ve been wondering whether making homemade mixed pickle is worth the effort — the answer is a definite yes!
Ingredients for Homemade Mixed Pickle
The beauty of a mixed pickle is its variety. Here’s a basic list of ingredients you can start with, but feel free to mix and match:
Fresh Vegetables (you can choose any combination):
-
1 cup raw mango (cubed)
-
1 cup carrots (peeled and chopped)
-
1 cup cauliflower florets
-
½ cup green chilies (slit or chopped)
-
1 cup lemon slices (optional)
-
10–12 garlic cloves (peeled)
-
1-inch ginger (julienned)
Spices:
-
2 tbsp mustard seeds (split or coarsely ground)
-
1 tbsp fennel seeds
-
1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
-
1 tsp turmeric powder
-
1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
-
½ tsp asafoetida (hing)
-
Salt to taste (about 2 tbsp)
Oil & Preservative:
-
1–1.5 cups cold-pressed mustard oil (adjust based on quantity)
-
Optional: 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice for added shelf life
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Homemade Mixed Pickle
Step 1: Clean & Dry the Vegetables
Wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Moisture is your enemy in pickling — it can cause spoilage or mold.
Pro Tip: Leave the vegetables out on a clean tray in the sun for a couple of hours to ensure there’s no residual moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
Lightly roast the mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds on low heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool, then grind them coarsely. Mix these with turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and asafoetida.
Step 3: Toss the Veggies with Spices
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried vegetables with the prepared spice mix. Toss them gently until all pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Add the Oil
Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches smoking point (this removes the raw smell). Let it cool slightly before pouring over the mixed vegetables and spices. Mix well until the oil coats all the ingredients. Add vinegar or lemon juice now if you prefer a tangier flavor or longer shelf life.
Step 5: Store the Pickle
Transfer the pickle into clean, sterilized glass jars. Seal tightly and let it rest at room temperature for 2–3 days in a warm spot (sunlight is ideal). Stir the pickle once daily with a dry spoon to ensure even marination.
Mature Time: The pickle is usually ready to eat in about 5–7 days, but the flavor deepens over 2–3 weeks.
Storing and Serving Your Homemade Mixed Pickle
-
Keep the jar in a cool, dry place, away from direct moisture.
-
Always use a dry spoon to take out pickle — this prevents mold.
-
If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate after opening to extend shelf life.
Enjoy your homemade mixed pickle with:
-
Parathas or rotis
-
Curd rice or khichdi
-
Dal and rice
-
Sandwiches or wraps
-
Even on its own as a flavorful bite!
Variations You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can play with ingredients:
-
Add jaggery for a sweet-spicy blend.
-
Use beetroot for color and earthiness.
-
Add black salt or amchur powder for extra zing.
-
Swap mustard oil for sesame oil for a South Indian twist.
Conclusion: Celebrate Tradition with Every Jar
Making your own homemade mixed pickle isn’t just about food — it’s about tradition, mindfulness, and taking pride in something crafted by hand. It’s a jar full of love, patience, and flavor that truly stands out from anything store-bought.
But if you ever find yourself short on time and still crave that homemade taste, you don’t have to compromise. At Ojasnature, we offer authentic, preservative-free mixed pickles made just the way you'd make them at home — with fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and a whole lot of care.
Visit ojasnature.com to explore our full range of handcrafted pickles and bring home the taste of tradition.
