Chef Bhupi Shares Easy Recipe for Tangy and Spicy Green Peas Pickle

Green peas pickle, tangy and spicy, is a delightful addition to any meal. Renowned Chef Bhupi has shared an easy recipe that not only delivers exceptional flavor but also stays fresh for months with a secret ingredient.

Blanching the Peas

Start by heating water in a pan. Just before it boils, add a spoon of sugar and salt, then add the peas. Sugar helps retain their vibrant green color. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then immediately transfer the peas to ice-cold water to prevent overcooking. Spread them on a cloth to dry completely.

Preparing the Spice Mix

The magic of any pickle lies in its spices. Roast fennel seeds, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek seeds, and mustard seeds lightly in a pan until aromatic. Cool and coarsely grind them — do not make a fine powder, as the coarse texture gives the pickle its authentic bite.

Tempering for Flavor

Heat 1 cup mustard oil in a pan. Once hot, add nigella seeds (kalonji), carom seeds (ajwain), asafoetida, and curry leaves. The curry leaves impart a fresh, unique flavor to the pickle. Mix in the coarsely ground spices to release their aroma and richness into the oil.

Adding Color and Heat

Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, regular salt, black salt, and chopped green chilies. Kashmiri red chili gives the pickle a deep, attractive color, while black salt enhances both digestion and flavor.

Secret Ingredient for Preservation

Chef Bhupi recommends adding 2–3 teaspoons of vinegar to the spice mixture. This not only adds a tangy taste but also acts as a preservative, keeping the pickle fresh for months. Finally, fold in the dried, blanched peas.

Imparting Smoky Flavor and Storing

For a smoky aroma and long shelf life, take a small piece of burning charcoal, place a clove on it, drizzle a little oil, and invert a glass jar over it. Let the smoke fill the jar, then fill it with the prepared peas pickle. This step adds a delightful smoky fragrance and helps eliminate bacteria.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-style tangy and spicy green peas pickle at home that stays fresh and flavorful for months.