• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Playful Cooking
  • About
    • Know Me
    • Contact
    • My Cookbook
    • Mention
    • Amazon Storefront
  • Recipes
  • Tutorials
    • How To Style Curries
    • Play with Light
    • ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed
    • Live Zoom on Food Styling
  • Hire Me
  • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Know Me
  • My Cookbook
  • Portfolio
  • Hire Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes

    Aam Ka Achaar,(Indian Mango Pickle Recipe)

    April 17, 2024 by Kankana Saxena

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Aam Ka Achaar, also known as Indian Mango Pickle, is one of the most beloved condiments in Indian cuisine. Made with raw green mangoes, aromatic spices, mustard oil, and salt, this traditional pickle delivers the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors.

    Aam ka achar

    Every Indian household has its own version of mango pickle, passed down through generations. Some recipes are fiery and bold, while others are mildly spiced and fermented for deeper flavor.

    Why You'll Love This Aam Ka Achaar Recipe

    • Authentic Indian mango pickle flavor
    • Made with simple pantry spices
    • Naturally vegan and gluten-free
    • Excellent way to preserve seasonal raw mangoes
    • Lasts for months when stored properly
    • Perfect accompaniment to everyday Indian meals

    This North Indian style aam ka achar uses mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek, and mustard oil to create a pickle that becomes even more delicious as it matures.

    Mango pickles remain one of India's most popular summer preserves and vary widely across regions.

    Whether you serve it with dal and rice, stuffed paratha, khichdi, curd rice, or even sandwiches, a spoonful of homemade mango pickle instantly elevates any meal.

    What Is Aam Ka Achaar?

    Aam ka achaar literally translates to "mango pickle." It is a traditional Indian condiment prepared by curing raw mangoes with spices, salt, and oil. The tartness of green mangoes pairs beautifully with earthy spices and pungent mustard oil, creating a bold flavor profile that has been cherished for generations.

    Pickling raw mangoes is also a traditional way of preserving the seasonal abundance of mango harvests.

    Across India, there are countless regional variations.

    Andhra Pradesh is famous for Avakaya, Gujarat has sweet-spicy Chunda, while North Indian households often prepare oil-based mango pickles using mustard oil and robust spice blends.

    Ingredients for Aam ka Achar

    Green Mangoes - Looks for small variety, green mangoes. The smaller variety is very tender and softens easily as it sits in all the spices and hot oil.

    Mustard oil - Indian pickle is always prepared in mustard oil. It gives a pungent aroma and blends beautifully with the earthy spices.

    Spices - Yellow and black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds and Fennel Seeds. I used only these, but you can also add some cumin seeds and nigella seeds. A little bit of turmeric powder is added for color and a chili powder for heat. I also like to add asafoetida, but it's optional. And don't forget salt!

    White Vinegar/Lemon Juice - Vinegar or lemon juice is added to increase the shelf life of this homemade Indian pickle.

    Steps to prepare Aam Ka Achar

    Steps to prepare

    1- Wash the green mangoes in cold water, then dry it off completely using a kitchen towel.

    2- Slice the mangoes in half and the remove the pit. Then make small cubes. You can remove the skin or leave it on.

    3- Layer the cubes of mangoes in a kitchen towel for a few hours or overnight to remove any excess moisture.

    4- In a pan, dry roast all the spices for a minute or two and then let it cool down a little bit.

    Steps to prepare

    5- Using a coffee grinder or a spice grinder, grind the roasted spice coarsely.

    6- Mix the ground spice along salt, chili powder, asafoetida and a little bit of turmeric powder.

    7- Heat mustard oil until you see smoke coming out and then pour the hot oil on mango cubes. Mix it around.

    8- Add white vinegar or lemon juice and mix everything. Once cooled, store in a clean dry jar.

    The mango bites will not be tender yet, but you can still eat it. It will get better in few days. Place the jar in sun by the window. The heat from the sun will keep fermenting the mango bites. In about 5 to 6 days, aam ka achar will be ready.

    Aam ka achar

    Expert Tips for Perfect Mango Pickle

    • Always use completely dry utensils.
    • Avoid introducing moisture into the jar.
    • Store in sterilized glass containers.
    • Ensure mangoes are fully coated with oil.
    • Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
    • Let the pickle mature for at least a week before serving.
    Aam ka achar

    How Long Does Mango Pickle Last?

    When stored in a clean airtight jar and handled properly, homemade mango pickle can last for several months and often up to a year. Salt, oil, and acid work together as natural preservatives.

    Serving Suggestions

    This spicy green mango pickle pairs wonderfully with:

    • Dal and rice
    • Paratha
    • Khichdi
    • Curd rice
    • Stuffed flatbreads
    • Lentil dishes
    • Indian thali meals
    • Sandwiches and wraps

    A small spoonful adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor to even the simplest meal.

    We love this achar with simple comfort food like daal & rice, with paratha and even with crackers. The flavor is robust with a beautiful balance of sour and spice. And the mango bites will make your palate light up.

    Enjoy aam ka achar with stuffed parathas

    Mooli Paratha

    Dal Paratha 

    Paneer Paratha 

    Aloo Palak Paratha

    Aloo Paratha

    Potato and Kale Stuffed Paratha

    Here is a link to sweet mango chutney which is another specialty during this season.

    Aam ka achar

    FAQs

    What type of mangoes are used for Aam ka Achaar?

    Generally, raw (green) mangoes are preferred for making aam ka achaar because of their tartness, which adds to the pickle's flavor. However, ripe mangoes can also be used for a sweeter version of the pickle.

    How long does Aam ka Achaar last?

    When stored properly in a clean, airtight container and kept refrigerated, aam ka achaar can last for several months, even up to a year or more, depending on the ingredients used and the storage conditions.

    How is Aam ka Achaar served?

    Aam ka achaar is typically served as a condiment alongside main dishes such as rice, dal, roti, or paratha. It adds a burst of flavor to the meal and complements a wide range of Indian dishes.

    Aam ka achar

    Aam Ka Achaar (Spiced Green Mango Pickle)

    Kankana Saxena
    Aam ka achar, or mango pickle, is a popular Indian condiment made from raw mangoes, spices, and mustard oil. There are many regional variations of aam ka achar, each with its own unique blend of spices and flavors.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course condiments
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 3 cups
    Calories 828 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 6 Small green mangoes
    • 1 & ¼ cup mustard oil
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
    • 1 &½ tablespoon salt
    • ¼ cup White Vinegar/Lemon Juice
    • 2 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon Asafoetida

    Pickling spice powder

    • ⅓ cup Yellow mustard seeds
    • 2 tablespoons fenugreek Seeds
    • 3 tablespoon Fennel seeds
    • 2 tablespoon Black mustard seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the whole mangoes, and then pat dry. Slice the mangoes in half and remove the pit.
    • Slice the mangoes in small bites.
    • In a dry pan add all the spices under pickling sauce and roast in medium heat for few minutes. Then let it cool before you grind into powder.
    • To the mango bites, add the ground spice powder along with salt, chili powder, turmeric powder and asafoetida. Give a mix to incorporate everything.
    • Heat the mustard oil until you see smoke. Then carefully pour it, over the mango bites. It will sizzle, so keep your face away. Mix everything with a spoon.
    • Add vinegar or lemon juice and mix again.
    • Once cooled down, add it to a dry-clean jar, seal tight and leave it in sun, or near the window where you get sunlight for a few days. This will help to ferment and softened the mango bites and the flavor will enhance too.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ServingsCalories: 828kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 10gFat: 84gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gMonounsaturated Fat: 50gSodium: 1178mgPotassium: 374mgFiber: 8gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 169mgIron: 7mg
    Keyword green mango recipe, indian pickle, mango recipe, summer recipes

    More Spice and Condiment

    • Tomato Pora makha
      Roasted Tomato Chutney (Tomato Pora Makha), Smoky Bengali Tomato Dip
    • Mixed Berry Jam
      Mixed Berry Jam
    • Pineapple cowboy candy
      Pineapple Cowboy Candy
    • Immune boosting drink - turmeric ginger cubes
      Ginger and Turmeric Cubes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. karrie @ Tasty Ever After

      August 12, 2019 at 7:01 pm

      5 stars
      I'm totally addicted to green mango pickle with eat it all the time with Indian food. Tried making it once (about 30 years ago and when I was in college), but completely failed at it. My mango never softened, was hard as a rock and tasteless. I never attempted it again and have always had a stash of Pataks hot mango pickle in the pantry instead. Now that I have your recipe, I might attempt to make it again!

      • Kankana Saxena

        August 12, 2019 at 9:43 pm

        5 stars
        I really hope you will try the recipe! Patak is a good brand but nothing beats homemade. Do feel free to email me if you have any doubts 🙂

    2. Arpita

      August 01, 2019 at 7:40 am

      5 stars
      This is my fav AACHAR. My mashi makes it this. way. Love it..

    3. annie@ciaochowbambina

      July 29, 2019 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      Oh my - my mouth is literally watering at the sight of these! I'd love to try it!!

      • Kankana Saxena

        July 30, 2019 at 12:08 pm

        5 stars
        Thanks so much Annie, I really hope you give it a try 🙂

    4. Neil

      July 27, 2019 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      You can't beat a good pickle with an Indian meal! And this Achaar sounds amazing. My brother is the gardener and pickler in our family. Although we can't grow mangoes here in Scotland we can definitely get them in the supermarket so I'm going to share this amazing recipe with him. Thanks Kankana.

      • Kankana Saxena

        July 30, 2019 at 12:08 pm

        5 stars
        Oh yes, a good pickle can make any boring meal exciting. I would love to know if he tries this and am sure he will love it 🙂

    5. Jeff the Chef

      July 26, 2019 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      So, I'm guessing that green mango is an unripe mango? Or is it a certain type of mango? This is all new to me.

      • Kankana Saxena

        July 30, 2019 at 12:07 pm

        5 stars
        yes, it is unripe mango. I should probably update that. Thanks a lot 🙂

    6. 2pots2cook

      July 26, 2019 at 2:11 am

      5 stars
      Oh dear ! So good to be back 🙂 Gorgeous photos ! The same as the idea of pickling; we do it ourselves too but have never made anything with green mango. Keeper definitely !

      • Kankana Saxena

        July 30, 2019 at 12:06 pm

        Hey hey!! So good to see you here again. Thanks so much 🙂

    7. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

      July 25, 2019 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      I've never had Achaar before, but oh my goodness does it sound amazing!! I love pickled anything and mangoes are definitely a favorite, so this recipe is begging to be made!! All the spices you used sound just delicious!! I can't wait to try this!!

      • Kankana Saxena

        July 30, 2019 at 12:06 pm

        Yay! I hope you try it while it's still summer. It's a sure shot palate enhancer

    8. David @ Spiced

      July 25, 2019 at 4:38 am

      I'm not familiar with this achaar, Kankana, but it sounds amazing! I love pickled things, and pickled green mango is definitely new to me. I had the chance to visit a really cool old-world style deli recently, and they were making some really cool pickled things (carrots, potatoes, etc.). That (coupled with this post) has inspired me to try pickling different foods. This sounds delicious!

      • Kankana Saxena

        July 30, 2019 at 12:06 pm

        This is very unique to Indian cuisine and I would love you to try it. It's very simple really.

    Primary Sidebar

    About

    Hey there! I am Kankana and this is my culinary space where I unfold memories, share stories and try new flavours. Easy effortless cooking with fresh ingredients is my mantra and I like to carry that in my everyday meal.

    Learn more about me →

    Seasonal

    • Congee With Miso Sauce
    • Apple cake
      Apple Cake
    • Creamy Garlic Mushroom Soup
    • How To Make Makhani Sauce

    Cookbook

    cookbook front cover
    Taste of Eastern India has an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, street foods, snacks, drinks, comfort hearty food, desserts and some long-lost dishes.
    Learn More and Order

    Subscribe

    Kitchen tips and tricks
    Receive exclusive articles and eBooks on Kitchen Tips and Tricks, Photography Tutorial, Meal Prep Ideas and Simple Recipes for Busy Lifestyle. Plus Weekly Fresh Seasonal Recipes.


    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Portfolio

    Copyright © 2011-2023 Playful Cooking. All content on this blog is copyrighted. It may not be republished in part or whole without permission and proper credit. Please contact me to seek republishing or syndication rights.