Dates Pickle

Dates pickle is a speciality of Malabar and it best pairs with biriyani. This pickle has a sweet,tangy & spicy taste.Usually this pickle is blended in a smooth paste .I have just added & cooked the dates in the pieces form.We love it this way and like it with biriyani. Do try this out if you love the sweet taste of dates in pickles. 

Ingredients

dates 250 gms(pitted) 35 dates
ginger shredded 1 tbsp
garlic cloves               1 tbsp'
green chillies 2-3 chopped
mustard seeds 1/4 cup
cumin seeds 1/4 tsp
chilly powder 2 tsp
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
salt 1 tsp
sugar 1/4 cup
gingelly oil   2-3 tbsp
vinegar 1/3 cup
water                          1/4 cup
curry leaves few

Method

-Chop the dates into small pieces.

-Make a paste with chilly powder ,mustard seeds,cumin seeds & water in the blender.The mustard seeds & cumin seeds can just split up.

-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

-Add the chilly 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.

-Add the sugar & salt.Put off flame.