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 What is the difference between Pickles or Achaar, Murabbas and Chutney?
  Last Updated : Oct 26,2018






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What is the difference between Pickles or Achaar, Murabbas and  Chutney?

For many people these three words have become somewhat interchangeable which is not surprising as the labels used by manufacturer are equally confused. In culinary terms, however these are clear differences between these three types of preserving vegetables or fruits.

Pickles or achaars can be made with vegetables or fruits. Vegetables are usually salted, either with dry salt (e.g. Punjabi Aam ka Achaar) or brine (e.g. Crunchy Vegetable Pickle). Dry salted vegetables are then packed in oil, usually mustard oil. Pickling is usually done in oil, vinegar, lemon juice or brine (i.e. salt solution).

Murabbas are essentially sweet preserves. Murabbas are primarily fruit or mango based. Chopped fruits or mango pieces are mixed with sugar or jaggery and spices and simmered for a long time or matured in the sun till they reach a jam like consistency. Their flavours improve and mellow with time. They have a shorter life span as compared to oil based pickles with the exception of the traditional Gujarati Quick Mango Chunda, or Methambo which keep well for longer periods.

Chutneys are again of two kinds - those that are preserves (e.g. Pineapple and Sultana Chutney) and those that are freshly prepared for every meal (e.g. Tomato Coconut Chutney) using ingredients that are in season and are readily available.

No matter where they are from or when they are used, pickles, chutneys and murabbas are always an excellent extra ingredient that will complement or improve the flavour of any meal.

There are so many different combinations and methods of preparation that nearly every region in India has its own special recipe.

what is the difference between pickles or achaar, murabbas and chutney

1.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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During the mango season in the summer in Punjab, one can see at least two or three earthenware jars full of pickled raw mangoes maturing in the sun outside homes. This typical Punjabi recipe for making mango pickle is most popular in the region. The combination of fennel seeds, nigella seeds with mustard and other pickling spices is what distinguishes this mango pickle from its Gujarati counterpart methia keri. Sun-dried mangoes used in this pickle impart a salty chewy taste and also improve the shelf life of the pickle. Alternatively, use mangoes in brine, just drain the mangoes out of the brine solution and mix them with pickling spices. This is a very simple recipe to follow. Just keep in mind the basics of pickle making - use a clean sterilised jar, see that there is no moisture and ensure that mustard oil forms a covering layer over the ingredients in the jar.
2.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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Crisp vegetable pieces in chilli, mustard and brine (salt solution). Choose any combination of fresh winter vegetables for this pickle and finely chop them. The vegetables are then immersed in a salt solution and left aside for a day. This is done to reduce the water content of vegetables, which improves their shelf life. The next day, spices viz. mustard, turmeric and chilli powders are added and mixed in the pickle. The pickle is ready to serve immediately. You can refrigerate it to keep it for longer.
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Quick mango chunda recipe | aam ka chunda | Gujarati raw mango sweet pickle | with 12 amazing images. mango chunda is a preserve that is common to all Gujarati households. The traditional preparation of chunda is time consuming, the heat of sun being used to dissolve the sugar till the pickle reaches a clear syrupy consistency and the mango shreds are translucent. Quick mango chunda is a quick version of this very popular recipe that tastes superb and is surprisingly easy to prepare. The secret of making a perfect aam ka chunda is the one string consistency which is very important. This simple recipe will help you stock up a year's supply of mango chunda. aam ka chunda is popularly served with plain theplas or methi theplas , but you can also enjoy with rotis, puris and parathas. Learn to Quick mango chunda recipe | aam ka chunda | Gujarati raw mango sweet pickle | make with step by step photos
4.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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Methambo is one of the best known pickles. Gujaratis are great consumers of all sorts of sweet and spicy pickles, with methambo being one of their favourites. Mustard seeds and round red chillies are first added to the oil, then the mango pieces dressed with turmeric powder and salt are sautéed till tender, after which jaggery is added and cooked till it has dissolved. After the methambo has cooled down completely, it is spiced with chilli powder. Methambo is very similar to golkeri, but the only difference is that methambo is tempered with whole spices whereas golkeri is not. It is an excellent accompaniment for almost all meals.
 
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Pineapple is a refreshing fruit and makes an interesting chutney that contrasts well with hot curries and spicy parathas . More syrupy than most chutneys, this sweet and spicy version is none the less thick enough to hold the pineapple chunks and sultanas prettily in suspension. Cinnamon and clove pieces flavour this chutney to perfection. Do not overcook this chutney because chances are that it might crystallize. If it does crystallize, just add 2 tablespoons of water and bring the chutney to a boil. Cool and bottle again in a sterilised glass jar. Store this refrigerated for upto 6 months.
6.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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tomato coconut chutney recipe | coconut tomato chutney | South Indian tomato coconut chutney | with amazing 14 images. tomato coconut chutney recipe is a South Indian tomato coconut chutney which is a popular dosai chutney served in Tamil Nadu. Very few ingredients like tomatoes, grated coconut, shallots, chana dal, urad dal and Indian spices goes into making coconut tomato chutney. Chutney's are made in every Indian household and each has their style of preparing it. Chutney's are basically condiments and we show you how to make tomato onion coconut chutney recipe. To make tomato coconut chutney recipe we have started by heating oil and further adding and roasting chana dal and urad dal. Both the dals will give unique and nutty taste to our chutney. Next, we have added red chili and curry leaves, cooked everything together. Further, add tomatoes, use nice ripe ones. Followed by addition of shallots and grated coconut. Cook and mix well. Once cooked and cool, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Your tomato coconut chutney is ready. South Indian style tomato coconut chutney goes really well with Idlis, dosas, vadas and appam. Coconut tomato chutney is my go to chutney on weekends for breakfast. It is extremely quick and easy to make and its my family's favorite chutney. Also, you can store tomato coconut chutney the refrigerator for 2 days but you need to pack it in a air tight container. It is best when freshly prepared. Enjoy tomato coconut chutney recipe | coconut tomato chutney | South Indian tomato coconut chutney | with detailed step by step recipe photos below.
7.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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quick carrot and capsicum pickle recipe | gajar shimla mirch ka achar | instant carrot capsicum pickle | quick Indian pickle | with 14 amazing images. To make quick carrot and capsicum pickle, combine the masala mixture, carrot and capsicum in deep a bowl and mix well. In a microwave safe bowl, add the mustard oil and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Pour the hot oil over the carrot and capsicum masala mixture and mix well. Cover it with a lid and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Cool completely, serve immediately or store in an air-tight container and refrigerate till use. Quick pickles like this always come in handy when your taste buds yearn for a bit of fun, but you don’t have the patience to make a traditional pickle that involves maturing, drying, etc. This gajar shimla mirch ka achar is a classic example of this. Although it takes very little time to prepare, this unique instant carrot capsicum pickle has a very exhilarating flavour, thanks to a masala mixture that combines a couple of seeds and spices. You can especially notice the brilliant flavours of split mustard seeds and split fenugreek seeds in this quick Indian pickle. You can make a small batch of this quick carrot and capsicum pickle and store it in the refrigerator in a dry and clean airtight container for 3 to 4 days. In the quest for quick and easy accompaniments, try the Instant Mango Pickle and the Instant Chilli Pickle too. Tips for quick carrot and capsicum pickle. 1. The carrot and capsicum strips are best when they are cut into thin strips. 2. While we have used mustard oil in this recipe as it is the best option to make pickles, if you don’t have you can opt for any other oil. 3. Ensure that the mustard oil is hot enough before you add it to the spices, so that the oil absorbs the flavours of the spices well and mix with carrot and capsicum. Enjoy quick carrot and capsicum pickle recipe | gajar shimla mirch ka achar | instant carrot capsicum pickle | quick Indian pickle | with step by step photos.
8.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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Peaches have long been a favourite pickle ingredient. For pickling, use peaches that are just ripe so that they will remain firm and retain their shape when simmered in sugar syrup. You can peel the fruit or use it along with the skin. This fruity pickle is interestingly spiced with cinnamon and cloves. A little salt is added to most sweet pickles to enhance the sweetness of the pickle. It can be eaten the day it is made or can be refrigerated and stored for upto 1 month. Aam ki Launji , Amla Murabba , Angoor ka Murabba , Grated Amla Murabba and Kesar Elaichi Mango Murabba are some more fruity pickles which go well as an accompaniment to the main course.
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If you have never tried pickling raisins before, you have missed something all along! It is time to try it out, right away. Very different and addictively tasty, this Kishmish ka Murabba is a unique sweet pickle made of raisins, sweetened with brown sugar and honey. The brown sugar gives the murabba an exquisite taste, which must be tried to be understood. If you are fond of sweet accompaniments, you can also try the Pineapple and Raisin Chutney , and the Grated Amla Murabba .
10.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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amla murabba recipe | amla ka murraba | with amazing 22 images. An invaluable winter preserve. Amlas (Indian gooseberries) are a major ingredient in several herbal tonics as they are reputed to be good for the liver, eyes and stomach. Amlas are the richest known source of Vitamin C. Amlas are abundantly available during the winter months. I actually buy a large quantity of this fruit each year to make amla ka murraba. Whole amlas simmered in a cardamom and saffron flavoured syrup is one of my personal favourites. There are several traditional recipes for making this amla murraba. Some soak the amlas in alum (phitkari) overnight whilst others sun-dry amlas. I find it easiest to cook the amlas in boiling water to get rid of all its bitter juices. The entire process takes about 2 to 3 days. First the amlas are simmered in a thin sugar syrup and left aside for 2 days during which the amlas slowly and gradually soak in the syrup. On the third day, the syrup is boiled again along with the flavouring to a thick honey like consistency and the amlas are added. The thick syrup helps in the preservation of the amla murraba and also complements the sharp and acidic amla taste. When preserved for a long period of time, the syrup of the amla ka murraba turns to a dark brown to an almost black colour and takes in all the goodness of the amlas. I am sure you will enjoy this amla murabba recipe as much I have enjoyed making it for you. Learn to make amla murabba recipe | amla ka murraba | with step by step photos below.
11.  
 by Tarla Dalal
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lahsun ki chutney recipe | lehsun ki chutney | red garlic chutney for chaat | with 8 amazing images. Use the lahsun ki chutney to make tongue-tickling chaat recipes like Ragda Patties, Sev Puri, Geela Bhel. lahsun ki chutney combines wonderfully with plain and simple dishes like Bajra Rotla and jowar roti. lehsun ki chutney for chaat is a pungent chutney of garlic, spiced up with chilli powder and pepped up with lemon juice. This lehsun ki chutney for chaat recipe is a quick and easy recipe for beginners. Indian’s love chaat, so you must make your lehsun ki chutney for chaat at home. To make lahsun ki chutney recipe, combine garlic, chilli powder, lemon juice and salt to taste in a mixer along with ¼ cup of water and blend to a fine paste. Your homemade lehsun ki chutney is ready. red garlic chutney for sev puri, bhel, ragda pattice can also be used to perk up sandwiches, bread, and other savoury snacks. This red garlic chutney for sev puri, bhel, ragda pattice stays fresh for upto 2 weeks when refrigerated in an air-tight container. Enjoy how to make lahsun ki chutney | lehsun ki chutney | red garlic chutney for sev puri, bhel, ragda pattice | with detailed step by step photos and video.
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onion pudina chutney recipe | mint onion chutney for Indian snacks | pudina chutney with onion Punjabi style | onion mint chutney | with 20 amazing images. onion pudina chutney recipe | mint onion chutney for Indian snacks | pudina chutney with onion Punjabi style | onion mint chutney is a perfect accompaniment to any Indian snack. Learn how to make pudina chutney with onion Punjabi style. To make onion pudina chutney, combine all the ingredients and blend in a mixer to a smooth paste using approx. ¼ cup of water. Serve the onion pudina chutney immediately or store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days or in the freezer for a month. A sprightly and light chutney made with a combination of aromatic mint and coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger and onions, the onion mint chutney is an invaluable tool for the Indian chef. The addition of onions is perhaps the master stroke in this pudina chutney with onion Punjabi style, that enhances the flavour of all the other ingredients. Further, the use of lemon juice balances the use of sugar well. This handy mint onion chutney for Indian snacks can be used in the preparation of several recipes including chaat, sandwiches and even parathas, apart from being served as a delightful accompaniment to many quick evening snacks. Similar to onion pudina chutney we suggest you look at our collection of 265 chutney recipes. Tips for onion pudina chutney. 1. Prefer to remove thick stems of the mint leaves as they tend to make the chutney bitter. 2. Do not wash or chop mint leaves in advance. They tend to discolour fast. 3. Lemon juice is a must to maintain the colour of the chutney. So do not skip it. 4. Health conscious people can avoid the use of sugar. If you do so, then reduce the lemon juice to 2 tsp. 5. This chutney stays fresh in an air-tight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days and in the freezer for a month. Enjoy onion pudina chutney recipe | mint onion chutney for Indian snacks | pudina chutney with onion Punjabi style | onion mint chutney | with step by step photos.
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Reviews

What is the difference between Pickles or Achaar, Murabbas and Chutney?
5
 on 18 Jul 18 12:29 PM


Pickle, Murabba and chutney is accompanied with many of our daily foods. We cannot skip them from our diet. Article is very informative and one can clearly understands the difference between them. It is very important to keep the correct level of ingredients like oil, salt, sugar/jaggery while making it, else it will be worthless. Simmering and maturing timing should perfect to reach the pickle and murabba at correct taste and consistency. Thanks.
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