Tickle your taste buds! Pickle your Pears!
July 29, 2010
It was a few years ago that my mom picked up a pear sapling which has grown into a beautiful tree directly in front of our house. Every year at this time, we have an abundance of pears. When one thinks of pears, desserts come to mind - poached in some wine ; a pear tart ; fruit salad and with cheeses and nuts. Have you ever thought of making a pickle with it? I am not kidding ... Check this out!
METHOD :
Ingredients :
Pear - 24 numbers ( Medium size - firm and not too ripe)
Vegetable oil or any oil of your choice - 1/2 cup
Mustard Seeds ( powdered) - 2 teaspoons
Mustard seeds ( whole ) - 2 teaspoons
Asafoeteda powder - 1 teaspoon
Fenugreek Seeds ( powdered) - 1 1/2 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 2 large sprigs
White Vinegar - 1/2 cup
Salt - to taste
Lemon or Lime - 2 nos. ( freshly squeezed )
Method :
1. Wash, core, clean and cut pear into small dices as shown in the picture. Squeeze juice of two lemon or lime on to the diced pears so that it does not discolor.
2. Heat oil, add mustard seeds ( when they pop). add curry leaves.
3. Reduce the fire and add red chili powder.
4. Stir and add the diced pear and rest of the spices.
5 Finish with salt and vinegar.
( Do not cook for too long - Maximum of 2 minutes on a medium fire. )
I am sure this will tickle your palate. Let me know how it worked out for you.