Some meals feel incomplete without a little achar on the side. Hot parathas at breakfast, dal-chawal at lunch, khichdi on a slow evening: most Indian food with pickle tastes better than without. If you've ever wondered what to eat with achar beyond the obvious, here are 10 pairings to try.
Which Foods Go Best with Bhatt's Pickles?
Bhatt’s Pickles are made in small batches with cold-pressed mustard oil at Mahalaxmi Farm in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Rajesh Bhatt has been making them since 1982, a practice he learned from his parents. From the tang of raw mango to the savoury depth of whole garlic cloves, each of our five pickles suits a different kind of meal. (New to them? Start with our guide to [the five types of achar we make].)
Here are ten combinations that work with everyday home cooking.
1. Mango Pickle with Paratha
A hot, flaky paratha straight from the tawa pairs naturally with Bhatt’s Ring-Shaped Mango Pickle. The tangy raw mango and spiced mustard oil cut through the richness of plain or aloo parathas.
2. Jackfruit Pickle with Dal-Chawal
A bowl of warm dal-chawal is comforting and familiar. Add a spoonful of Bhatt’s Jackfruit Pickle for texture and a bold, spiced flavour against the mildness of the dal.
3. Karonda Pickle with Puri
Hot puris and aloo sabzi are rich, and they welcome something sharp alongside. The natural tartness of Bhatt’s Karonda Pickle balances that richness.
4. Kulcha Pickle with Stuffed Parathas
Stuffed flatbreads like gobhi or paneer paratha already have plenty of flavour, but Bhatt’s Kulcha Pickle adds an extra kick. Made with finely shredded raw mango, crushed garlic, and green chillies, it brings heat and tang to hearty fillings.
5. Garlic Pickle with Roti and Sabzi
For daily meals of warm rotis and seasonal vegetables, Bhatt’s Garlic Pickle adds a savoury edge. Whole garlic cloves prepared in mustard oil give a simple lunch or dinner more depth.
6. Mango Pickle with Khichdi
Soft, warm khichdi is simple comfort food. A small serving of Bhatt’s Ring-Shaped Mango adds a tangy, spiced contrast to every spoonful.
7. Karonda Pickle with Curd Rice
Cool, creamy curd rice and Bhatt’s Karonda Pickle work well together. The pickle's tartness balances the mild, tempered rice.
8. Jackfruit Pickle with Thepla
Spiced theplas are a favourite for breakfast, travel, and lunchboxes. Pair them with Bhatt’s Jackfruit Pickle for a hearty accompaniment that's easy to pack and eat on the go.
9. Kulcha Pickle with Pakoras
A plate of hot pakoras with afternoon chai is a classic combination. A little Bhatt’s Kulcha Pickle alongside your fritters makes a spicier, tangier change from the usual chutney.
10. Garlic Pickle with Paratha Rolls
For a quick lunch or snack, roll sautéed vegetables or paneer inside a warm paratha. Serve it with Bhatt’s Garlic Pickle on the side for a savoury kick without needing a sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat achar with non-Indian food?
Yes. If you're wondering what to eat with pickle beyond Indian meals, try a little in a grilled cheese sandwich, alongside scrambled eggs, mixed into a wrap, or on the side of a simple grain bowl. Oil-based pickles like garlic or mango work especially well. Start with a small amount, as the flavours are strong.
A Little Achar, A Lot of Home
The best food combinations with pickle don't need complicated recipes or elaborate spreads. Often, warm flatbreads, simple lentils, or rice with a spoonful of good achar is all a meal needs to bring people to the table.
Explore all five Bhatt's pickles] and find your own favourite pairing.