Broccoli Pickle – Animesh Kothari
Sides
Preparation time: 20 Minutes / Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Broccoli
- Broccoli florets – 2 Cups
- Salt (for boiling water) – 1 Tbsp
- Extra salt (adjust to taste) – ½ Tsp
- Kalonji (nigella seeds) – 1 Tsp
- Vinegar – 1–2 Tbsp
Ingredients
Whole Spices (Roasted & Crushed)
- Coriander seeds – 1 Tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1 Tbsp
- Fennel seeds – 1 Tsp
- Fenugreek seeds – ½ Tsp
Ingredients
Mustard Oil Tempering
- Mustard oil – 3–4 Tbsp
- Red chilli powder – 1–2 Tsp
- Turmeric powder – ½ Tsp
- Yellow mustard powder – 1 Tsp
- Hing (asafoetida) – ¼ Tsp
How to make
Blanch the Broccoli
- Bring water to a boil and add 1 tbsp salt.
- Add broccoli florets and boil for 1–2 minutes only.
- Drain immediately.
- Spread on a clean cloth and let it dry completely.
- Make sure there is no moisture left before adding spices.
Base Seasoning
- Add extra salt and kalonji to the dried broccoli.
- Mix gently and set aside.
Roast & Crush the Spices
- Dry roast coriander, mustard, fennel, and fenugreek on low heat until aromatic.
- Let them cool slightly.
- Coarsely crush (do not make a fine powder).
- Add to broccoli and mix well.
Prepare the Tempering
- Heat mustard oil until it just starts to smoke (this removes raw smell).
- Turn off the heat.
- Add turmeric, red chilli powder, yellow mustard powder, and hing.
- Stir quickly so spices do not burn.
Final Mixing
- Pour the warm spiced oil over the broccoli mixture.
- Mix thoroughly so every floret is coated.
- Add vinegar and mix again.
Bottling & Maturing
- Transfer to a clean, dry glass jar.
- Keep at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
- Stir once daily with a dry spoon.
- Refrigerate after 2 days.