Achar means pickle in Hindi, and an Achari spice blend is prepared using spices that are used in making traditional Indian pickles. The distinctive flavor of this spice blend comes from the Nigella and Fenugreek seeds. Nigella Seeds add an onion-like pungency. Fenugreek Seeds are nutty and bitter, so they’re added in a very small quantity.

Recipes using Achari Spice Blend

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 tbsp

Ingredients

2 tsp Mustard Seeds
2 tsp Nigella Seeds
2 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tbsp Fennel Seeds
1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
1 tbsp Coriander Seeds

Preparing Achari Spice Blend

Step 1
Toast all the spices in a thick-bottomed pan on low heat. To ensure that the spices do not burn, keep them moving continuously, either using a spatula or by tossing the spices in the pan.

Step 2
Take the spices off the heat when they start to release an aroma; this should take a couple minutes. Transfer them to another container to cool.

Step 3
When the toasted spices are cool, grind them into a fine powder in a spice grinder.

Store the Achari Masala in an airtight jar. This should be good for several months. Spice seeds retain their flavor for much longer than powdered spices. So unless the powdered spice is not going to be used up soon, it is always recommended to prepare the spice blend fresh, as needed.

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Curry on!