Nellikai Para ( Gooseberry Pickle )

Nellikai Para, also known as Gooseberry Pickle, is a popular pickle made from gooseberries or amla fruit, a type of small sour fruit commonly found in India. The origin of this pickle is believed to be from South India, but it is now enjoyed all over the country.

To make Nellikai Para, the following ingredients are typically used:

1. 500g gooseberries
2. 3 tbsp oil
3. 1 tsp mustard seeds
4. 2 tsp fenugreek seeds
5. 1 tsp turmeric powder
6. 2 tbsp red chili powder
7. 2 tsp salt
8. 4 tbsp sugar
9. 2 tbsp lemon juice

Here is the recipe for Nellikai Para:

Wash the gooseberries and remove the stems.

Chop or crush the gooseberries into small pieces.

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and add the mustard seeds.

When the mustard seeds start to crackle, add the fenugreek seeds and turmeric powder.

Add the chopped gooseberries and stir for 2-3 minutes.

Add the red chili powder, salt, sugar, and lemon juice to the pan and stir well.

Cook the mixture for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gooseberries are soft and the mixture has thickened.

Allow the mixture to cool and then store in a glass jar or container.

The Nellikai Para will keep in the refrigerator for several months.

In terms of preservatives, sugar and salt are often used in pickle recipes to help preserve the ingredients and maintain their flavor. Lemon juice can also help to preserve the pickle, as well as adding flavor and balancing out the sourness of the gooseberries.

This pickle is usually served as a side dish or condiment and can be enjoyed with rice, roti, or any other Indian dish. The tangy and spicy flavor of the Nellikai Para adds a delicious touch to any meal.