5 Creative Ways To Repurpose Pickle Oil In Your Kitchen
Image Credit: Pickle | Image Credit: Unsplash.com

Be it a raw mango pickle or a chilli pickle, hardly anyone does not like the taste of pickles, also known as aachar in Hindi. Pickles can simply amp up the taste of a bland meal with their enticing taste, spice quotient, and addictive aroma. There’s no denying that a spoonful of aachar with paratha or with rice and dal can make the day a perfect one.   

Pickles and pickle oil go hand-in-hand. The oil plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavour and preservation of the final product. It can carry and distribute spices and seasoning evenly throughout the pickle but also creates a barrier that seals out moisture, thus preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi that can spoil the pickle. Moreover, the oil adds richness and texture to the pickle. It also acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the pickle by creating a protective layer that inhibits oxidation and microbial growth. 

But what would you do when the pickle gets over? If, however, the pickle oil is left, instead of throwing it away, the oil can be reused. Look at some of the ways it can be used.   

  • Flavour Cooking Oil  

Pickle oil is loaded with the flavours of the spices and vegetables used in the pickle. One can use it to flavour dishes successfully with oil that has the taste of herbs and spices. This oil can be used in flavourful dishes like stir-fries, soups, and marinades. Be mindful of the intensity of the pickle flavour and add accordingly.   

  • Salad Dressing   

Mix pickle oil with mustard, vinegar, spices, and herbs to create a unique salad dressing. It adds tanginess, spiciness, and depth to the salad. This dressing can be added if you find your salad bland, like a green salad made with regular veggies or leaves like spinach.    

  • Roasted Veggies And Meat  

Instead of using regular oil to roast the veggies and meat, use pickle oil to add flavour to them. Besides, pickled oil can also be added to their marination. The oil helps extend the taste and flavour of the vegetables or herbs in the pickle.   

  • Pickle Mayo  

To add a yummy twist to the mayonnaise, mix leftover pickle oil with leftover chunks of pickle and give delicacies a yummy makeover. The desi and spicy twist can be used to create a spread for sandwiches or a dip for fries and vegetables.   

  • Aachar Fried Rice   

Instead of regular cooking oil, add aachar oil when making fried rice. The aromatic spices in the oil impart a delightful flavour to the rice. This makes the dish a delicious one. It can be eaten individually or paired with curry or gravy.