Indian-Spiced Pickled Vegetables

Ingredients for Indian-Spiced Pickled Vegetables

• 1/2 seedless cucumber

• 1/2 large head cauliflower, cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide florets (4 cups)

• 230g carrots (4 medium), cut into 2 1/2- by 1/2-inch sticks (300g )

• 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped garlic (6 cloves)

• 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped peeled ginger

• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (preferably black or brown)

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 1/2 teaspoons fennel seeds

• 80ml vegetable oil

• 5 (2-inch) dried hot red chillies, wiped clean

• 120ml distilled white vinegar

• 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar

• Equipment: an electric coffee/spice grinder

• a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok

How to make Indian-Spiced Pickled Vegetables

Preheat oven to 121°C with rack in middle.

Trim end from cucumber, then halve lengthwise. Scrape out and discard any seeds with a small spoon, then cut into 2- by 1/2-inch sticks.

Cook cauliflower and carrots together in a large pot of boiling salted water (1 1/2 tablespoons salt for 2.8L water), stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Drain in a colander, then put colander in an ice bath. Drain again in colander, then pat vegetables very dry.

Arrange cauliflower, carrots, and cucumber in 1 layer in a 17- by 12-inch shallow baking pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are dry and slightly limp, about 30 minutes.

Pulse garlic and ginger with 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until finely ground, then transfer to a bowl. Pulse mustard seeds in spice grinder until coarsely ground, then stir together with remaining spices. Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly. Pour oil down side of wok, then tilt wok to swirl, coating side. When oil just begins to smoke, add chillies and spice mixture and cook, stirring, 10 seconds. Add garlic mixture and cook, stirring, until golden, about 15 seconds. Add vegetables, vinegar, and brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Transfer to a shallow dish and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.

Transfer to an airtight container and chill, shaking once or twice a day, 1 week (to allow flavours to develop).

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.