Dates Pickle

By:

Satheesh Thomas

Ingredients

1. Dates 250 gms(pitted)~35 dates
2. Ginger shredded 1 tbsp
3. Garlic cloves 1 tbsp'
4. Green chillies 2-3 chopped
5. Mustard seeds 1/4 cup
6. Cumin seeds 1/4 tsp
7. Chilli powder 2 tsp
8. Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
9. Asafoetida powder 1/2 tsp
10. Salt 1 tsp
11. Sugar 1/4 cup
12. Gingelly oil 2-3 tbsp
13. Vinegar 1/3 cup
14. Water 1/4 cup
15. Curry leaves few

Method
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1. Chop the dates in small pieces.
2. Make a paste with chilli powder ,mustard seeds, cumin seeds & water in the blender. The mustard seeds & cumin seeds can just split up.
3. Heat oil in a pan and when the oil is hot ,add the ginger shredded, garlic chopped, green chillies & curry leaves. Add the turmeric powder and asafoetida powder.
4. Add the chilli paste and vinegar. Bring to a boil. Add the chopped dates and cook for 5-7 minutes till the vinegar is absorbed and dates are softened and cooked. There will be some soft dates pieces left behind to add a nice chewy texture.
5. Add the sugar & salt. Put off flame.
Note: I used only one tea spoon of mustard seed, 2 tbsp of sugar and 3 tbsp of vinegar. You can add according your taste. I used dried dates available in middle east.