Dates pickle is a Malabar delicacy generally served with Biryanis especially with Thalassery Biryani.
This is an easy to prepare pickle with limited ingredients. This is not similar to the dates chutney served with chats. It varies in taste as well texture, it has the mild spiciness, the ginger and garlic bites in between. Perfect with biryanis as well as pulao. This is a finger licking good pickle.

Dates is rich in nutrients such as iron which is good for the health. I think like the same and buy and will keep it as such. Now on wards i planned to include in my cooking and make some healthy recipes.

Kerala Dates Pickle

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time:10 minutes
Cuisine: Kerala
Makes: 1 cup

INGREDIENTS: 
Dates- 1 cup (after removing the seeds)(20-25 nos)
Oil- 3 teaspoon
Mustard seeds- 1/2 teaspoon
Dry red chillies-3
Curry leaves- 2 strands
Ginger, chopped- 1½ teaspoon
Garlic, chopped- 1½ teaspoon
Green chillies, chopped- 1
Jaggery, grated- 1 tablespoon
Chilli powder- 1/2 teaspoon (increase according to your spice level)
Salt- to taste
Vinegar- 2 tablespoons
Malabar Dates Pickle


PROCEDURE:
  • Deseed the dates and cut or tear them into two or three pieces.
  • Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Once it splutters add the dry red chillies and curry leaves.
  • Add the chopped ginger and garlic and green chillies together and fry in that oil till the raw flavour leaves  and the roasted aroma arises.
  • Add the chopped dates and jaggery and chilli powder and saute in that oil for ten seconds.
  • Add a cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to boil and allow the dates to cook and become soft.
  • Add extra water if you want and allow the water to reduce while cooking and the dull colour of the dates changes to dark and bright colour. The texture changes to glassy smooth texture.
  • Once it reduces in quantity the oil starts to separate on sides like halwa.
  • Now add the vinegar and cook till the vinegar get absorbed by the dates mixture.
  • Switch off the gas and allow the mixture to cool and transfer it on a air tight container and refrigerate.
  • Use within two weeks time.
Malabar dates pickle