This Taju Gujarati Gajar Marcha nu Athanu is a simple instant pickle made with carrots, green chillies and achar masala. It is a quick recipe that is perfect as part of a Gujarati Thali .
- What is athana/achar masala?
- Serving Suggestions for Carrot Achar
- Gajar Marcha Athanu Ingredients
- How to make Gajar Athanu
- Storage
- Other Carrot Recipes
Indian pickles such as Keri no Chundo , Raiti Gor Keri and Fresh Tumeric Pickle are always on rotation.
Gajar Marcha Athanu is an Indian pickle that originates from the state of Gujarat. This delicious pickle is made by marinating carrots (gajar) and green chilies (marcha) in a spicy and tangy mixture of achar masala and oil.
The combination of the equally tender yet crunchy texture of carrots and the kick from green chilies is so irresistible!
It has a vibrant colour and bold taste make it a favourite amongst pickle lovers.
It adds a burst of flavour and crunch to whichever dish it accompanies.
Better yet, as there is no cooking and heat involved, the carrots retain their health benefits as no vitamins are destroyed.
What is athana/achar masala?
Achar masala, aka pickle masala, is a spice blend used in Indian pickles.
It typically includes mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and other spices.
This mixture not only adds flavour but also contributes to the preservation of pickles due to the antimicrobial properties of the spices.
It can be made at home or bought pre-packaged, and its composition may vary across regions and households.
Serving Suggestions for Carrot Achar
This athanu goes great with so many Gujarati curries or even thepla!
Try it with:
- Methi Thepla
- Sada Plain Thepla
- Sadi Bhakhri
- Masala Bhakhri
- Kobi Bateta nu Shaak (Gujarati Potato and Cabbage Curry)
Gajar Marcha Athanu Ingredients
Carrots – peeled and cut into thin slices or julienne.
Green chillies – cut into rounds. Test the heat level of the chillies before using.
Achar masala – ready made achar masala is so easy to find in Indian grocery shops.
Oil – neutral flavoured oil or mustard oil works.
(The athana masala contains salt so I have not added any extra but you may wish to do so)
How to make Gajar Athanu
Mix everything in a bowl and leave it to stand for 10-15 minutes.
Serve alongside your favourite Gujarati curries or thepla.
Storage
Typically, this Gajar nu Athanu will last for 2 days at room temperature or 1 week if stored in the fridge.
Other Carrot Recipes
Gajar no Sambharo
Lasaniya Methi Gajar
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Gajar Marcha Athanu (Gajar Achar)
Ingredients
- 2 carrots
- 2 green chillies adjust according to taste and spice tolerance.
- 2 tablespoon achar masala
- 2 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Wash, peel and thinly slice the carrots.
- Chop or slit the green chillies.
- Mix together the carrots, chillies, achar masala and oil.
- Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Note – this recipe was first published in April 2013. This post has since been updated with helpful content and new images. The recipe remains the same.
Gajar Marcha Athanu (Gajar Achar)
Ingredients
- 2 carrots
- 2 green chillies adjust according to taste and spice tolerance.
- 2 tablespoon achar masala
- 2 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Wash, peel and thinly slice the carrots.
- Chop or slit the green chillies.
- Mix together the carrots, chillies, achar masala and oil.
- Allow to stand for a few minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
This sweet and tangy Instant Carrot and Green Chilli Pickle recipe is made with fresh carrots, chillies and rai na kuria. This is a no oil recipe, instead the dressing is made with lemon juice.
Perfect as part of a Gujarati Thali .
- Carrot Chili Pickle Ingredients
- How to make carrot green chili pickle
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage
- Other pickle recipes
Various carrot pickles, like this Gajar Marcha Athanu , are my favourite alongside my Gujarati meal. Sometimes, my Mum prepares Gajar no Sambharo when we have plenty of carrots to use up!
Pickles often need long prep times but the beauty of this instant carrot version is that it takes mere minutes.
It is simply prepared by slicing the carrots into julienne or batons, slitting green chillies which are mixed with rai kuria and lemon juice.
It is minimal on the spices, so it accompanies your dishes without being overpowering.
Carrot Chili Pickle Ingredients
Carrots – peeled and sliced julienne.
Fresh Green Chillies – slit.
Split Mustard seeds (known in Gujarati as Rai na Kuria). Easily available in South Asian grocery stores.
Lemon juice – fresh is best but you can use bottled
Sugar – optional
Salt to taste
Tips – use fresh ingredients.
How to make carrot green chili pickle
Wash and peel the carrots. Slice or use a food processor to cut them to matchsticks or julienne. Use a paper towel to blot dry.
Wash and remove the stalk of the green chillies. Pat dry using a clean kitchen towel and slit using a sharp knife.
In a mixing bowl, add the sliced carrots, slit chillies, lemon juice, sugar and rai na kuria.
Add salt to taste.
Mix well, cover the bowl with a lid and leave it aside for 20-30 minutes.
Once again mix well before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve carrot green chilli pickle as a condiment along with Gujarati dinner recipes .
Storage
Store in a clean glass jar and place in the refrigerator. Use within 2-3 days.
As this recipe does not contain oil, the shelf life is reduced. However, I do believe that for this recipe, the freshness is best enjoyed!
Other pickle recipes
Instant Raiti Gor Keri (Mango Pickle)
Achari Mirch – Instant Green Chillies
Fresh Turmeric Pickle (Instant No Oil)
Instant Keri No Chundo (Aam Ka Chunda)
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Instant Carrot Green Chilli Pickle
Equipment
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
Ingredients
- 3 carrots peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 6 green chillies slit
- 2 tablespoon rai kuria split mustard seeds
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the sliced carrots, slit green chillies, rai na kuria, lemon juice, sugar and salt.
- Mix well and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Note – this recipe was first published in October 2010. This post has since been updated with helpful content and new images. The recipe remains the same.
