Spicy Chilli Pickles: Traditional Homemade Recipes
My winter-special chilli pickles bring back old-school warmth to your meals. From hand-stuffed Banarasi red chillies to classic green achaar, these are made in small batches with seasonal produce.
This is a close-up of my Stuffed Green Chilli Pickle before the oil is added. You can see how each chilli is carefully slit and filled with a freshly ground masala mix of mustard, fennel, and other spices.
A single jar of my Stuffed Green Chilli Pickle, showing how the chillies soften and absorb the flavours of the masala and mustard oil over time. This pickle is medium spicy and is a perfect side for parathas or mathris.
Here is a batch of stuffed green chillies being prepared. Once stuffed, they are mixed together to ensure the masala is evenly distributed before being packed into jars to mature.
For easier serving and eating, I also make this Cut Green Chilli Pickle. It has the exact same taste and masala as the stuffed version, but the chillies are cut into smaller pieces. It's a convenient option that goes well with dal chawal or any Indian meal.
This is my Stuffed Red Chilli Pickle, a much-awaited winter special. I use thick, good-quality red chillies that are available from January onwards. The chillies are stuffed with a spicy masala and turn soft and bright red as the pickle matures.
About Spicy Chilli Pickles (Mirch ka Achaar)
The secret to my pickles is in the mustard oil and the patience. When you receive a jar of my stuffed green or red chilli pickle, the flavours will continue to deepen as they sit. If you prefer a softer texture, let the jar rest in a sunny spot for a few days before you dive in, as the heat naturally matures the masala inside.
Traditional Methods, No Shortcuts
Making pickles is my way of keeping family stories alive. I follow the same old-school methods my dadi used, which means no artificial preservatives or colours. The deep, rich colours you see in my jars come entirely from the ingredients themselves, such as the pure Kashmiri chilli powder used in my spicy green variety.
Stuffed vs. Cut: Choose Your Style
- Stuffed Green Chilli Pickle: I source specific 'Achaari Mirchi' available in Mumbai markets for this. Each chilli is carefully hand-slit and filled with a freshly ground masala mix of mustard, fennel, and other spices. It is medium spicy and perfect with parathas or thepla.
- Cut Green Chilli Pickle: For those who want the same authentic taste but easier serving, this version uses the same masala but with chopped chillies. It is a convenient companion for dal chawal or everyday meals.
- Stuffed Red Chilli Pickle: This is my winter favourite. I wait for the thick, quality red chillies to arrive in January. These are stuffed with a tangy, spicy masala and matured in mustard oil until the skin becomes tender and vibrant.
Storage and Shelf Life
Because I use mustard oil as a natural preservation barrier, these pickles are shelf-stable if kept away from moisture. Always use a clean, dry spoon to serve. If you are travelling, my dry mango or minimal-oil lemon options are leak-proof, but for these chilli varieties, keep the jars upright and tightly sealed.
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