It has been a while since I posted anything about pickles or preserves. This is not a sign of preserving inaction I swear. I have managed this summer to make a few different berry jams, but undoubtedly the success of the season is the Raita pickles made from my very own homegrown cucumbers.
The recipe is from the Complete Book of Small-Batch Preserving, by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard. I have copied it for you at the bottom of this post. I tell you making raita has never been easier.
1. Add a few teaspoons of your fantastic raita pickles to the serving bowl.
2. Add natural or greek yoghourt.
3. Mix and enjoy!
Indian Style Cucumber Relish
6 cups diced peeled cucumber
2 cups thinly sliced onion
1 tbsp pickling salt
2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 tbsp whole cumin seeds
2 tsp black mustard seeds
2 tsp yellow mustard seeds
1. Place cucumber and onion in a non-reactive bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Drain vegetables in a sieve, rinse twice and drain thoroughly.
2. Combine vinegar, sugar, seeds in a very large stainless steel or enamel saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add vegetables and return to a boil for 30 seconds.
3. Remove vegetables from liquid with a slotted spoon, pack into hot, sterilised jars. Pour liquid over cucumber to within 1cm of rim.
4. Process 10 mins for 250ml jars and 15 mins for 500 ml jar in canner.
Makes 6 cups.
Saturday 19 March - adding a base layer to Mama Made tunic/dress
Sunday 20 March - In Mama Made blouse relaxing at home with a good book!
Tuesday 22 March - In my new favourite Mama Made overalls, complete with matching Mama Made dress for my doll, "girl".
Wednesday 23 March - in Mama Made blouse under last year's favourite Laura Ashley pinafore.
Thursday 24 March - yay for staying at home...and spinning in my Mama Made nightie.
Saturday 26 March - fun in the park at Goulburn in my Mama Made tunic. I think that tunic's are wonderful, they turn a plain old white shirt and black leggings into a pretty fantastic outfit.
Sunday 27 March - helping Mama in the vegie patch in Mama Made shorts, note the grass stain on the bottom. Don't worry about the spray I'm using, its only molasses and water.
Monday 28 March - starting to pull at straws here, off to school in a rather eclectic ensemble, including Mama Made jumper/vest.
