Cuisine / Dining / Restaurant

How to Make Authentic Hyderabadi Pickles at Home

If you’ve had an authentic Hyderabadi meal before, then you’ll be accustomed to something — it doesn’t taste the same without a spoonful of spicy, tangy pickle on the side. Spicy mango to tangy lemon, authentic Hyderabadi pickles are something so much more than a side dish. They’re an age-old tradition that’s been handed down through generations.

We at Deccan Delights are honored to be carrying the flavor of Hyderabad along with us. And now we’re giving you a small part of this heritage. Following is an easy home guide on how you can make Hyderabadi pickles at home.

Why Are Hyderabadi Pickles Special

It’s this daring application of spices, prolonged fermentation, and generous mustard oil that makes Hyderabadi pickles unforgettable.

Key Ingredients for Traditional Hyderabadi Pickles

To capture that classic Hyderabadi flavor at home, you’ll need a few essential ingredients

  • Fresh fruit or vegetables like raw mango, lemon, green chili, or carrot
  • Mustard oil for that sharp, earthy flavor
  • Salt to preserve and flavor
  • Red chili powder, preferably from Kashmiri chilies, for color and heat
  • Turmeric powder
  • Fenugreek seeds (methi)
  • Mustard seeds
  • Asafoetida (thing)
  • Garlic cloves are optional but traditional in many recipes

We at Deccan Delights use the best fresh ingredients and quality oil to obtain the most original taste.

Step-by-Step Home Preparation of Authentic Hyderabadi Pickles

1️⃣ Prepare the Main Ingredient

Raw mango, lemon, or chili — whatever you like wash and dry it thoroughly. Cut into pieces and sun-dry on a clean cloth for a few hours or overnight. This step avoids spoilage.

2️⃣ Roast and Grind the Spices

Lightly dry roast mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds until they release their aroma. Let them cool and grind them coarsely to introduce depth and warmth into your pickle.

3️⃣ Heat the Mustard Oil

Heat mustard oil to its smoking point. This removes its raw sharpness and also makes it pickling safe. Let it cool slightly before use.

4️⃣ Mix Everything Together

In a dry clean bowl, combine your sun-dried fruits or vegetables, salt, red chili powder, turmeric, and the roasted spice mix and garlic if using. Now add in the cooled mustard oil and combine all this in such a manner that each piece is nicely coated.

5️⃣ Store and Wait

Place the mix in a glass or ceramic pickle jar. Tie and place in a warm area for five to seven days. Stir gently with a dry spoon every other day to enable the flavors to develop.

Homemade Easy Hyderabadi Pickles

  • Aam Ka Achaar (Mango Pickle) — The hottest and sourest of the lot
  • Nimbu Ka Achaar (Lemon Pickle) — Spicy, tangy, and best with dal-chawal
  • Mirchi Ka Achaar (Green Chili Pickle) — For the hardcore heat lovers
  • Ginger and Garlic Pickle — Pungency packed and perfect for idlis or dosas

At Deccan Delights, we offer you these classic pickles with traditional recipes straight from Hyderabad, prepared with love and care.

Pro Tips by Deccan Delights

  • Always use clean, dry utensils while preparing and serving pickles
  • Keep your pickle jars away from water and direct sunlight
  • Never skip mustard oil for the traditional Hyderabadi flavor
  • Be patient — the longer it sits, the better it tastes

Final Thoughts

There is real joy in creating your own jar of traditional Hyderabadi pickles. The procedure, the aromas, and the ultimate burst of flavor with every bite are pure Deccan nostalgia for anyone who belongs to this rich food tradition.

At Deccan Delights, we bring you these generations-old flavours every day. So if you’re craving a taste of home or can’t wait, check out our variety of hand-stirred Hyderabadi pickles made exactly the way Nani used to.

Order yours today or do it yourself — either way, your meals are going to get a whole lot more interesting.