Sometimes simple recipes surprise you with the depth of flavour they deliver and this recipe for Neemki, an instant raw mango and onion pickle from Himachal Pradesh is one such recipe. Spicy, sweet, tangy, and bitter—all at the same time—this pickle is an absolute delight.
I love Mango Pickles and for instant gratification rely on instant mango pickles like:
- Mamidikaya Menthi Baddalu | Menthi Mukkalu | Instant Andhra Mango and Fenugreek Pickle
- Ava Baddalu | Instant Andhra Mango and Mustard Pickle
I also rely on mango chutneys and relishes such as:
- Kanda Kairi | Raw Mango and Onion Chutney from Maharashtra
- Mamidikaya Nuvvula Pachadi (Andhra Raw Mango & Sesame Chutney)
- Mango Pachadi in Coconut Milk | Onam Sadya Recipe
In 2018, when I first across this recipe from Neemki, an instant mango pickle from Himachal Pradesh, I tried it immediately. What I loved about it was its simplicity as well as its unusual flavouring that uses fenugreek seeds and carom seeds. Of course the mustard oil in it adds a lovely flavour too.
Neemki has ever since become a summer staple in my home and I hope you enjoy it too.
Recipe for Neemki: The Instant Mango Pickle From Himachal Pradesh
- The Preparations
- Chop a medium-sized raw mango into small pieces. Do not peel the mango.
- Peel a medium-sized onion and chop the onion to fine pieces.
- Making the Roasted Fenugreek Powder
- On low flame, dry roast 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana) till they turn darkish brown.
- Let the fenugreek seeds cool and then grind them into a powder. I used a mortar and pestle to crush the roasted fenugreek seeds to a powder.
- On low flame, dry roast 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana) till they turn darkish brown.
- Getting the Mustard Oil Ready
- Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil to smoking point till it becomes colourless, and then let it cool.
- Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil to smoking point till it becomes colourless, and then let it cool.
- Making Neemki
- To a bowl, add the mango pieces, chopped onion, roasted fenugreek powder, carom seeds ( spicy
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Let the Neemki rest for 30 minutes so that the flavours meld.
- Serve Neemki with chapatis, rotis, or dal-rice.
I had first posted this recipe in May 2018 and am now updating it with better pictures and nutrition details.
Recipe for Neemki: The Instant Mango and Onion Pickle From Himachal Pradesh
Neemki | Instant Mango Pickle From Himachal Pradesh
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Raw Mango, Kairi (as Finely Chopped Pieces , ~75 gms)
- 1 Cup Onion (as Finely Chopped Pieces , ~75 gms)
- 1 tsp Methi (Fenugreek Seeds)
- 1 tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 tbsp Mustard Oil
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Dry roast 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana) till they change colour to golden brown.
- Let the fenugreek seeds cool and grind into a powder. I used a mortar and pestle to crush them to a powder.
- Heat the mustard oil to smoking point till it becomes colourless, and then let it cool to room temperature.
- To a bowl, add 1 cup finely chopped mango pieces, 1 cup finely chopped onion, the roasted fenugreek powder, 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain), 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp spicy red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (haldi), the heated and cooled mustard oil, and salt to taste.
- Mix well.
- Let the Neemki rest for 30 minutes.
- Serve with chapatis, rotis, or dal-rice.
This Neemki seems so simple to put together and promises great flavour. Who wouldn’t want to try out an instant pickle like this! Im going to get some fresh green mango and go for it!
This Neemki is just the sort of pickle recipe I need, quick, easy and delicious. Bookmarked it as I’m always looking for easy mango pickle recipes.
This is such a simple pickle, yet one bursting with flavour. Love the spices you have added here! 🙂
Loved it the moment I saw it as pickles always excite me hence the valiant attempts in identifying the secret ingredient. Haha.. Looks lipsmacking and must have tasted delicious.
Such a lip smacking pickle…I am now being a fan of your pickles after my mom…next time when I want to make pickle will hop on your blog…
I am drooling looking at these pickles. I am going to try this instant pickle.
I hope you like it. 🙂
Mango pickle looks lip-smackingly delicious. I would love to try it out in this mango season. Superb share.
This himachali mango pickle looks really so tempting aruna, love to try next season for sure . Lovely share for theme.
Cant take my eyes from those tangy mango pickle, how delicious its looks. Definitely a tonguetickling pickle, my kind of dish.
This is super tempting.. Lipsmacking !
Loved this version of instant raw mango pickle..so simple yet so flavorful !
Wow this sounds so yum. I think I will have to wait for the next mango season to make it.
This looks so flavourful, pickles make great accompaniments and so tempting.
I am the Big Fan of Mangoes. Thank you for Showing the Process of Maagai pickle the best Variant in the Mango pickles. The Process is Mouth Watering the spicy, salty and sour taste of the pickle is yummy and Everlasting.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope you will share some more info . Please keep sharing.
Excellent receipe.
Mouth watering 😋
Nimki doesn’t have methi Dana. It’s just sad how all Himachali recipes are twisted by non- Himachali folks.
Thank you for letting me know. Could you share an Authentic Neemki recipe?