With their quality to add flavor to even the blandest of food, spicy pickle recipes find favor with people all over the world. Traditionally, pickles have been used as a major food accompaniment in every cuisine. Eaten directly or taken along with a main meal, they add a dash of zing and spice, enhancing the taste of the food. Mainly categorized as Asian and Western pickles, spicy pickle recipes originate from Asia, particularly from India. Considered to be the birthplace of pickles by many, it is regarded that Indian pickle recipes were carried to the world by explorers. Indian pickles receive their typical spicy tangy flavor from the mustard oil and variety of spices used in their preparation.
When Asian spicy pickles receive their taste from fermentation; western pickles are consumed more as fresh pickles. In western pickles green vegetables, fruits and sometimes even fish and meat are combined with vinegar, sugar, salt and sauces. Some of the popular western spicy pickle recipes include Dill Pickles, Bread and Butter Pickles, Kosher Dill Pickle, Hoagie Pickle, Sweet Cucumber, Hamburger Dill, Midget Gherkins Pickle and several more.
The hot garlic dill pickle is quite a favorite. Made with fresh cucumbers, fresh dill sprigs, jalapeno peppers, fresh grape leaves, whole peppercorn, peeled whole garlic cloves, pickling salt, white vinegar, water and crushed red pepper (an optional ingredient), this pickle is a winner all the way. If you want it hotter just add some more jalapenos.
Unlike western pickles, Asian spicy pickles are consumed in the form of preserved pickles. China, Japan, Korea and India, all have their indigenous style of pickle making. Not only are the recipes different, but the ingredients used are completely different too and unique to each of these countries. Kimchi a spicy Korean pickle made of cabbages and daikon radishes is quite a popular condiment across the world. While China is famous for Zha Cai and Chow Chow pickles, Japan is known for its spicy plum pickles.
Yet the hottest and the spiciest pickles come from Indian kitchens. In place of vinegar, mustard oil is the major ingredient of Indian pickles, which brings out their special flavor. Among the spices, use of salt, chili powder, ginger, garlic, hot pepper, and turmeric powder is really popular. Nearly every vegetable and fruit finds use in Indian pickles including rose petals.
Every cuisine has its own spicy pickle recipes. Each with its own unique method of preparation and ingredient, these pickles serve as perfect food accompaniments and also meals in themselves as in the case of western pickles.