Sweet and sour olive pickle is a delightful condiment that adds a burst of tangy and sweet flavors to your meals. Made with briny olives, a combination of spices, and a touch of sweetness, this pickle is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Whether you enjoy it with sandwiches, cheese platters, or Indian cuisine, the sweet and sour olive pickle is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation and cooking process of making this delicious condiment.
Preparation Time:The preparation time for sweet and sour olive pickle is minimal and can be completed in approximately 15-20 minutes. It involves basic steps to ensure the olives are ready for pickling.
Cooking Time:The cooking time for sweet and sour olive pickle is relatively short, around 10-15 minutes. The majority of the time is spent on simmering the pickle mixture to infuse the flavors.
Ingredients Brine-cured olives (green or black)
Vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
Sugar
Red chili flakes
Mustard seeds
Peppercorns
Bay leaves
Garlic cloves
Olive oil
Method- Rinse the brine-cured olives under cold water to remove excess saltiness. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Sauté them for a minute until the mustard seeds start to crackle.
- Add finely minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour vinegar into the pan, followed by sugar and red chili flakes. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the olives to the simmering mixture and stir gently to coat them evenly with the flavors.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the pickle simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the olives to absorb the sweet and sour mixture.
- After simmering, remove the pickle from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Transfer the sweet and sour olive pickle to a clean, sterilized jar. Ensure that the olives are fully immersed in the pickling liquid.
- Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Allow the pickle to marinate for at least a couple of days, preferably a week, to develop the flavors. Shake the jar occasionally to redistribute the spices and enhance the taste.