Sri Lankan Mixed Vegetable Achcharu
This vibrant Sri Lankan Mixed Vegetable Achcharu is a tangy, spicy, and crunchy pickled salad, bursting with the bold flavors of mustard, vinegar, and aromatic spices. It's a refreshing side dish that beautifully balances heat and acidity, perfect for cutting through rich curries or adding a zesty kick to any meal.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 88 kcal
Allergen information: may contain mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 150 ggreen bean, trimmed, cut into 2.5cm pieces, blanched
- 150 gcarrot, peeled, cut into thin strips
- 1 pcsred onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pcsgreen chili, sliced lengthwise
- 3 clovegarlic clove, thinly sliced
- 1 tbspginger, grated
- 10 pcscurry leaf
dressing
- 2 tbspmustard seed, roasted and ground
- 1 tspchili powder
- 0.5 tspturmeric powder
- 0.5 cupvinegar, distilled white or coconut
- 1 tspsugar
- 0.5 tspsalt
Equipment
Large mixing bowl · Small bowl · Whisk · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Medium pot · Slotted spoon · Ice bath (large bowl with ice and water)
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Trim the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Peel and julienne the carrots into thin strips. Thinly slice the red onion, green chilies, and garlic cloves. Grate the fresh ginger.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: For uniform cooking and presentation, ensure all vegetables are cut to a similar size and thickness.
- 2
Blanch the green beans: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cut green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until they are tender-crisp and bright green.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Blanching helps retain the vibrant color and slight crunch of the green beans while making them more palatable.
- 3
Shock the green beans: Immediately transfer the blanched green beans to an ice bath using a slotted spoon to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Cook’s note: This step is crucial for preserving the beans' crisp texture and bright color.
- 4
Combine the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched green beans, julienned carrots, sliced red onion, sliced green chilies, sliced garlic, and grated ginger.
- 5
Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ground mustard seeds, chili powder, turmeric powder, vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: For the most pungent and authentic flavor, use freshly roasted and ground mustard seeds. You can lightly toast them in a dry pan before grinding.
- 6
Dress the vegetables: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Add the fresh curry leaves.
- 7
Mix thoroughly: Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every piece of vegetable is evenly coated with the vibrant dressing.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Wearing food-safe gloves can prevent your hands from staining, especially when working with turmeric and chili.
- 8
Marinate the achcharu: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: For an even richer and more complex flavor profile, let the achcharu marinate for several hours or even overnight.
- 9
Serve: Stir the achcharu well before serving as a tangy and refreshing side dish.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 88.2kcal
- Protein
- 3.1g
- Carbs
- 14.5g
- Fat
- 2.1g
- Fibre
- 3.8g
- Sugar
- 6.3g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
This achcharu is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside traditional Sri Lankan curries like dhal or chicken curry, or as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled fish or roasted meats. For a slightly different flavor profile, you can add a pinch of fenugreek seeds to the dressing. While delicious immediately, the flavors truly deepen and meld after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Store leftover achcharu in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Achcharu is best served chilled or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended as it will compromise the texture of the vegetables.
More recipes
All recipesdessert
Sohan Asali (Persian Honey Brittle)
Sohan Asali is a traditional Persian candy, a delicate brittle made with honey and sugar, infused with fragrant saffron. It's studded with crunchy nuts like almonds and pistachios, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory. This confection is perfect for celebrations or as a unique treat.
1 hr 5 min 214 kcalsoup
Gribnoy Sup
Gribnoy Sup is a hearty and earthy Russian soup where mushrooms are the star. This simple, comforting dish includes potatoes and carrots, finished with fresh dill for an aromatic lift.
55 min 272 kcalmain course
Vegetable Korma
A rich and creamy vegetable korma featuring a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a fragrant, spiced cashew and coconut sauce. This vegetarian dish is both satisfying and flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal.
1 hr 319 kcallunch
Lentil Bolognese
This hearty and flavorful lentil bolognese is a vegan take on the classic Italian sauce. It's packed with vegetables and protein-rich lentils, making it a satisfying meal served over your favorite pasta. The sauce simmers slowly to develop deep, rich flavors.
1 hr 5 minlunch
Mujadara (Lentils & Rice)
Mujadara is a comforting and nutritious Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. It's a staple vegan meal, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. The sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the earthy lentils and fluffy rice.
1 hr 15 min 511 kcallunch
Lentil Walnut Tacos
These hearty and flavorful lentil walnut tacos are a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional ground meat tacos. The filling is rich, savory, and offers a satisfying texture. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
40 min 448 kcalbreakfast
Scrambled Eggs on Toast
A classic simple breakfast, this recipe features fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned perfectly and served atop golden-brown toast. It's a quick and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
10 min 260 kcal