Carrot Pickle

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots:

   • Wash, peel, and cut the carrots into thin matchsticks. Place them in a bowl and set aside.

2. Dry Roast the Spices:

   • Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and fennel seeds. Dry roast them for a few minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool.

3. Grind the Spices:

   • Once the roasted spices have cooled down, grind them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

4. Mix the Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, combine the carrot matchsticks with the ground spice mixture, salt, vinegar, turmeric powder, and sugar (if using). Toss well to coat the carrots evenly.

5. Heat Oil and Temper:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add dried red chilies and minced garlic (if using). Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

6. Combine with Carrots:

   • Pour the hot oil mixture over the carrot mixture in the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.

7. Transfer to Jars:

   • Transfer the carrot pickle mixture to clean, sterilized glass jars. Press down lightly to pack the carrots and remove any air bubbles.

8. Seal and Store:

   • Seal the jars tightly with lids. Let the carrot pickle sit at room temperature for 2-3 days to allow the flavors to develop. After that, you can store it in the refrigerator.

9. Serve:

   • Serve the carrot pickle as a condiment with rice, roti, sandwiches, or any meal of your choice.

10. Enjoy:

    • Enjoy the tangy and spicy flavor of homemade carrot pickle!

Note: This carrot pickle will keep well in the refrigerator for several weeks. Make sure to use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination. Adjust the spice level and sweetness according to your taste preferences.