Easy Homemade Pickles Recipe: 9 Kerala Pickles You Can Make at Home
If you love the bold, spicy, tangy taste of Kerala food, homemade pickles are something you should definitely try. A good pickle can make even a simple meal of rice and curry much more delicious. In Kerala, pickles are prepared using fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, oil, salt, and traditional methods passed down through generations.
In this guide, we are sharing an easy homemade pickles recipe featuring 9 popular Kerala-style pickles that you can prepare at home. From green mango and lemon pickles to garlic, ginger, grapes, brinjal, chilli, mixed vegetable, and dates & lemon pickles, each recipe has its own unique taste.
At Achu Pickles, we love the traditional taste of Kerala and believe that homemade pickles should bring together fresh ingredients, authentic spices, and the warmth of homemade cooking.
What Makes Kerala Homemade Pickles Special?
Kerala homemade pickles are known for their strong flavours and traditional preparation. The combination of sour, spicy, salty, and sometimes sweet flavours makes them a perfect side dish for everyday meals.
Fresh ingredients are one of the most important parts of a good pickle. Raw mangoes, lemons, garlic, ginger, grapes, chillies, brinjal, and vegetables can all be transformed into delicious pickles with the right combination of spices.
Traditional Kerala pickles are also closely connected with family recipes. Many homes have their own way of preparing mango pickle, lemon pickle, or garlic pickle. Small differences in spice combinations and preparation methods can create completely different flavours.
Green Mango Pickles Recipe – Kerala Style
Green mango pickle is one of the most popular homemade pickles in Kerala. The natural sourness of raw mango combines beautifully with chilli powder, mustard, fenugreek, salt, and oil.
Ingredients
- 2 raw green mangoes
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek powder
- Salt
- Sesame oil or suitable cooking oil
- Curry leaves
- Asafoetida, if preferred
Preparation
Wash the raw mangoes thoroughly and dry them completely. Cut them into small pieces and place them in a clean bowl.
Add salt and turmeric powder and mix well. Allow the mango pieces to rest for some time so the flavours begin to develop.
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add curry leaves and the required spices. Keep the heat low while adding chilli powder and other powdered spices to prevent them from burning.
Add the prepared mango pieces and mix everything gently. Allow the pickle to cool completely before transferring it into a clean, dry glass jar.
Your green mango pickles recipe is ready to serve with rice, curd rice, dosa, or other Kerala meals.
Cut Mango Pickles Recipe
If you enjoy a pickle with pieces of crunchy raw mango, cut mango pickles are a great choice.
This pickle is simple to prepare and works especially well with traditional Kerala meals.
Ingredients
- Fresh raw mango
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Mustard seeds
- Salt
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
Preparation
Wash and completely dry the mangoes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces without making them too small.
Mix the mango pieces with salt and turmeric. Prepare the spice mixture separately using oil, mustard seeds, chilli powder, and fenugreek.
Combine the mango pieces with the spice mixture and mix thoroughly. Allow the pickle to rest so that the mango can absorb the spices.
The result is a delicious cut mango pickle with a wonderful combination of sour mango, spicy chilli, and traditional Kerala flavours.
Lemon Pickle
Lemon pickle is another favorite in Kerala homes. lemon pickles have a refreshing sourness and spicy flavor that makes them an excellent accompaniment to rice and traditional meals.
Ingredients
- Fresh green lemons
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
Preparation
Wash the lemons and dry them completely. Cut them into suitable pieces and remove seeds if preferred.
Mix the lemon pieces with salt and allow them to rest. Prepare the seasoning with oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, chilli powder, and other spices.
Add the lemon pieces and mix gently. Once cooled, transfer the pickle into a clean airtight jar.
As the pickle rests, the lemon gradually absorbs the spices and develops a richer flavour.
Brinjal Pickles Recipe
Brinjal is not only delicious in curries and stir-fries; it can also be used to create a flavourful pickle.
This brinjal pickles recipe is ideal for people who want to try something different from the usual mango or lemon pickle.
Ingredients
- Fresh brinjal
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek powder
- Salt
- Oil
- Curry leaves
- Asafoetida
Preparation
Wash the brinjal and cut it into small pieces. Keep the pieces dry before cooking.
Heat oil and lightly cook the brinjal pieces until they become tender. Prepare the spice mixture separately using mustard seeds, curry leaves, chilli powder, turmeric, and other spices.
Combine the cooked brinjal with the spice mixture and salt. Mix carefully so the pieces remain intact.
Allow the pickle to cool before storing it in a clean jar.
The combination of soft brinjal and spicy Kerala masala gives this homemade pickle a distinctive flavour.
Grapes Pickle Recipe – Kerala Style
Grapes pickle may sound unusual to some people, but it is a delicious option for anyone who enjoys a balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
A traditional grapes pickle recipe uses fresh grapes along with chilli, spices, salt, and oil.
Ingredients
- Fresh grapes
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
- A small amount of sweetener if desired
Preparation
Wash the grapes carefully and dry them well.
Heat oil and prepare the seasoning with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add the required spice powders and keep the flame low.
Add the grapes and mix gently. Adjust salt and spices according to your preferred taste.
Allow the mixture to cool before storing.
The natural sweetness of grapes combined with Kerala spices creates a delicious contrast that makes this pickle special.
Garlic Pickle Recipe
Garlic pickle is loved for its strong aroma and rich spicy flavour. It can be a wonderful addition to rice, kanji, dosa, and other simple meals.
Ingredients
- Fresh garlic cloves
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Mustard seeds
- Salt
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
- Asafoetida
Preparation
Peel the garlic cloves and keep them dry.
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Add curry leaves and the spice powders while keeping the flame low.
Add the garlic cloves and cook gently until they absorb the spices. Add salt according to taste.
Once the pickle cools, transfer it into a clean, dry jar.
Homemade garlic pickle is especially enjoyable when the spicy masala coats each garlic clove.
Ginger Pickle Recipe
Ginger pickle is another traditional favourite. Fresh ginger provides a warm, slightly sharp flavour that works beautifully with chilli and other Kerala spices.
Ingredients
- Fresh ginger
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
Preparation
Clean and peel the ginger. Slice it into thin pieces.
Heat oil and add mustard seeds. Add curry leaves and the required spices. Add the ginger pieces and mix well.
Cook gently until the ginger absorbs the masala. Add salt according to taste.
Allow the pickle to cool before placing it in a clean airtight container.
This ginger pickle recipe is a simple way to enjoy the warm flavour of ginger with traditional Kerala spices.
Chilli Pickle
For those who enjoy spicy food, chilli pickle can be an exciting addition to the dining table.
Fresh chillies can be combined with spices, salt, and oil to create a simple homemade pickle.
Ingredients
- Fresh green chillies
- Chilli powder, according to preference
- Turmeric powder
- Mustard seeds
- Salt
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
Preparation
Wash the chillies and dry them completely. Cut them into pieces or keep them whole depending on your preferred style.
Heat oil and add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add the spices and mix carefully.
Add the chillies and salt. Cook gently until the chillies are coated with the masala.
Cool completely before transferring the pickle to a clean jar.
Dates & Lemon Pickle
Dates and lemon create a unique combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
Dates & lemon pickle can be a wonderful choice for people who prefer a slightly sweet pickle with traditional Kerala spices.
Ingredients
- Dates
- Fresh lemons
- Chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek powder
- Oil
- Curry leaves
Preparation
Remove the seeds from the dates and cut them into small pieces. Wash and dry the lemons before cutting them.
Prepare the spice mixture using oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and suitable spices.
Add the lemon pieces and dates and mix carefully. Adjust the salt and spices according to taste.
Allow the mixture to cool and rest so the ingredients can absorb the flavours.
The result is a delicious pickle with the sweetness of dates, tanginess of lemon, and warmth of Kerala spices
Tips for Making Easy Homemade Pickles
Preparing an easy homemade pickles recipe is not only about choosing the right ingredients. Clean preparation and proper storage are also important.
1. Use fresh ingredients
Fresh mangoes, lemons, vegetables, fruits, garlic, and ginger can help create better flavour.
2. Keep ingredients dry
Moisture can affect homemade pickle quality. Make sure fruits and vegetables are properly dried after washing.
3. Use clean, dry containers
Always use a clean and completely dry airtight jar for storing homemade pickles.
4. Balance the spices
Kerala pickles can be spicy, sour, salty, or sweet depending on the recipe. Adjust the ingredients according to your taste.
5. Allow the flavours to develop
Many pickles taste even better after resting because the ingredients have more time to absorb the spices.
6. Use a clean, dry spoon
When serving homemade pickle, use a clean and dry spoon to help maintain its quality.
What Can You Eat With Kerala Homemade Pickles?
One of the best things about Kerala pickles is their versatility. You don’t need a complicated meal to enjoy them.
You can serve homemade pickles with:
- Steamed rice
- Curd rice
- Kanji
- Dosa
- Idli
- Chapati
- Parotta
- Puttu
- Traditional Kerala meals
- Biryani
A small serving of pickle can add a strong burst of flavour to a simple meal.
For example, mango pickle pairs wonderfully with rice and curd. Lemon pickle can add a refreshing tang to a traditional meal, while dates and lemon pickle can be an interesting accompaniment to biryani.
Homemade Pickles vs Store-Bought Pickles
Homemade pickles have a special place in Kerala food culture because they remind many people of traditional family cooking.
When making pickle at home, you can select your ingredients, adjust the spice level, and follow your preferred preparation method.
Store-bought pickles, on the other hand, can be convenient when you want ready-to-eat pickle without spending time preparing it.
For people who love the traditional taste but have limited time, Kerala-style homemade pickle products can offer a convenient way to enjoy familiar flavours.
How to Choose the Best Kerala Pickles
If you are planning to buy homemade pickles online, consider a few important things before choosing a product.
Check the ingredients
Look for clear information about the ingredients used in the pickle.
Consider the flavour
Think about whether you prefer spicy mango pickle, tangy lemon pickle, sweet and spicy dates pickle, or another variety.
Look for traditional recipes
If you enjoy authentic Kerala flavours, choose pickles prepared using traditional spice combinations.
Choose suitable pack sizes
If you are trying a new flavour, a smaller pack can be a convenient way to discover whether you like it.
Check storage instructions
Always follow the product’s storage instructions to maintain quality and flavour.
Why Try Different Kerala Pickles?
Every pickle has its own character.
Green mango pickles offer a classic sour and spicy taste. Cut mango pickles provide a delicious bite of raw mango. Green lemon pickles bring a strong tangy flavour. Garlic and ginger pickles have their own distinctive aromas.
Grapes pickle offers an interesting sweet and spicy combination, while brinjal pickle provides a softer texture. Chilli pickle is ideal for people who enjoy bold flavours, and dates & lemon pickle combines sweet and tangy tastes.
Trying different varieties is one of the easiest ways to explore Kerala’s rich pickle tradition.
Achu Pickles – Homemade With Love
At Achu Pickles, our goal is to bring the familiar taste of Kerala homemade pickles to your table.
We believe that good pickle begins with carefully selected ingredients, traditional flavours, and attention to preparation. Our range is inspired by the flavours that make Kerala food so special.
Whether you love mango, lemon, garlic, ginger, grapes, chilli, brinjal, mixed vegetables, or dates and lemon, there is always another pickle flavour to explore.
Our idea is simple: Homemade With Love.
We want every jar to remind you of the comforting flavours of traditional Kerala cooking.