Achari Recipe – A Tangy & Spiced Delight
Achari Chicken (Pickled Spice Chicken Curry)
📝 Introduction
Achari Chicken, also known as Pickled Spice Chicken Curry, is a classic North Indian and Pakistani dish that combines the warmth of curry with the tangy, spicy flavours of South Asian pickles (achar). The word “Achari” comes from achar, which means pickle, and refers to the unique blend of spices—like mustard seeds, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, and cumin—that give this dish its unmistakable aroma.
Unlike traditional curries that rely heavily on cream or ghee, this lighter version uses lean chicken breast, olive oil, and homemade Achari Masala. This makes it healthier, diabetic-friendly, and protein-packed, while still keeping all the richness of the authentic taste.
For those who prefer a heartier dish, Achari Lamb is another popular variation. The same spice blend pairs beautifully with tender lamb, creating a deeper, more robust curry that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend family dinners.
In this recipe, we’ll cover how to make homemade Achari Masala, how to prepare both chicken and lamb versions, and share serving tips, cooking variations, and nutritional details.
⏱ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Medium
🛒 Ingredients
For the Curry
- 500g chicken breast or thigh, cubed (or 600g lamb, bone-in or boneless, cut into chunks)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chilli, slit
- 200ml water or low-sodium chicken/lamb stock
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tanginess)
Homemade Achari Masala (Pickle Spice Mix)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
- ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Achari Masala
- Dry roast mustard, fennel, nigella, fenugreek, and cumin seeds in a pan for 2–3 minutes until aromatic.
- Let them cool slightly, then grind coarsely in a spice grinder.
- Mix in coriander powder, turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala.
- Store in an airtight jar – this spice blend will keep fresh for up to 3 months.
👩🍳 Instructions – Achari Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate.
- Stir in 3–4 tsp of Achari Masala and mix well.
- Add chicken pieces, coat them in the masala, and cook for 7–10 minutes.
- Pour in water/stock, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Add lemon juice, stir, and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
👩🍳 Instructions – Achari Lamb Variation
- Follow the same steps as above until adding the meat.
- Once lamb is added, brown it in the spice base for 10 minutes.
- Add water/stock, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes until lamb is tender.
- Adjust seasoning, add lemon juice, and garnish with coriander.
🔥 Nutrition (per serving – chicken version)
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 14g
(Lamb variation will have higher calories and fat content, averaging around 380 calories per serving.)
💡 Cooking Tips
- Adjust tanginess by adding a spoon of natural yogurt or pickle oil.
- Swap chicken for paneer or fish for lighter alternatives.
- If using lamb, pressure cooking can reduce the cooking time significantly.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Best enjoyed with jeera rice, steamed basmati rice, or soft parathas.
- Serve with cucumber raita or mint chutney to balance the spice.
- Pair with fresh salad for a lighter, balanced meal.
🛒 Recommended Tools
- Heavy-bottomed curry pan – Get it here
- Spice grinder – Get it here
- Airtight spice jars – Get it here
💡 Tips for a Perfect Achari Dish
✔ For extra tanginess: Add a spoonful of pickling oil or lemon juice.
✔ For a richer taste: Use yogurt instead of tomatoes.
✔ For a vegetarian twist: Try paneer or tofu instead of meat.
✔ For meal prep: Store the cooked Achari dish in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Achari without tomatoes?
✅ Yes! Substitute with yogurt for a creamy version.
Q: What does Achari mean?
✅ It means “pickle-like” in Urdu & Hindi, referring to its tangy and spiced flavour.
Q: Can I use ready-made Achari paste?
✅ Absolutely! You can buy Achari paste online (get it from Amazone delivered to your door) or from local stores for convenience.
📌 Loved this recipe? Share it & follow for more authentic Indian dishes!
