Hari Mirch ka Achar or Instant Green Chili Pickle is love. Made with fresh green chilies instantly makes them a great addition to the meal.
I have memories of my father eating raw chili daily with his food and I used to wonder as a child how he managed to do it.

Today I want to start the same habit but find it difficult to eat raw chili. Instant green chili pickle makes a close alternative. It makes me feel close to my dad.

Oh, how I miss you, papa! There would never be enough words.

After using some recipes online and some of my instincts developed over all these years, I came up with this recipe. When I make sometimes I use the proportion given in the recipe, else I have even mixed leftover spice powder from red chili pickle. Both work well, whichever you prefer, you can use.
Perfect with food, easy to make, and enjoy the quick tang.

Ingredients You Need to Make Instant Green Chili Pickle
Let’s be honest—pickles might look complicated, but when you break it down, they’re just a beautiful mix of a few pantry staples doing their magic! This instant green chili pickle recipe doesn’t need any fancy ingredients or long hours. Just a handful of desi spices, some fresh hari mirch (green chilies), and a little love. I usually have these lying around in my kitchen, and I bet you do too. So before we jump into the steps, here’s a quick look at everything you’ll need to bring that spicy-tangy magic to life!
- Fresh green chilies (long/slit or chopped)
- Mustard seeds
- Fennel seeds (saunf)
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Turmeric powder
- Lemon juice or vinegar
- Optional: Mustard oil (if you’re including an oil version too)
Quick Tips to Make It Last Longer
Okay, so you’ve made this spicy, tangy hari mirch ka achar, and now you want it to last longer than just a few days? I hear you! Honestly, the way this pickle tastes, it rarely lasts more than a week in my home—everyone keeps sneaking spoonfuls! But if you’re planning to enjoy it over time, there are a few smart and super easy tricks you can follow to make sure your green chili pickle stays fresh and full of flavor for weeks, even months.
Here are my go-to tips to preserve green chili pickle and increase its shelf life:
1. Always Use Sterilized Jars
Before storing the achar, make sure your jar is properly washed and sterilized. I usually boil my glass jars and let them dry completely. Moisture is the enemy of pickles—so make sure it’s bone-dry before filling!
2. Don’t Skip the Oil (Optional but Effective)
Though this is an instant achar and doesn’t use much oil, adding a thin layer of mustard oil on top can help seal the achar and keep bacteria away. It acts as a natural preservative and gives that typical North Indian pickle kick.
3. Use a Clean, Dry Spoon Every Time
I can’t stress this enough! Never dip a wet spoon (or finger!) into the jar. A little water or food particle can lead to mold, which means heartbreak and a wasted jar of your lovingly made pickle.
4. Keep It Refrigerated
While the achar can stay fine outside for a few days, storing green chili pickle in the fridge extends its life big time. It also keeps the chilies crisp and vibrant. If you’ve used lemon juice instead of vinegar, refrigeration becomes even more important.
5. Shake or Stir Every 2–3 Days
Just like we show our plants love with water, pickles need a gentle mix now and then! This helps redistribute the masalas and juices, and prevents the top layer from drying out. I simply give the jar a gentle shake.
6. Taste Improves with Time
If you can resist the temptation (I rarely can 😅), let it sit for 2–3 days after making. The flavors deepen, the chilies mellow slightly, and it’s just perfect with hot parathas or dal-chawal.
Why You’ll Love This Green Chili Pickle
Okay, confession time — I never thought I’d be the kind of person who’d rave about a chili pickle. But here we are, and let me tell you — this instant green chili pickle recipe is something else! If you’re someone who loves a little (or a lot of) heat in your meals, this hari mirch ka achar is going to become your new favorite condiment. It’s spicy, tangy, just the right amount of salty, and has that addictive achar magic that makes even plain dal-chawal feel like a feast.
This is one of those easy recipes that gives maximum flavor with minimal effort. It doesn’t require days of sun-drying or complicated techniques. Just fresh green chilies, a handful of pantry spices, a splash of lemon juice (or vinegar), and you’re sorted. That’s the beauty of this homemade chili pickle — it’s instant, but the taste feels like something your nani made with love over several days.
Here’s exactly why you’ll love this spicy pickle recipe:
- Every bite is a punch of heat, zing, and spice
- Unlike traditional pickles, this instant hari mirch achar doesn’t need sun or weeks of waiting
- Customizable to your taste
- Perfect side dish for any Indian meal
- No preservatives, no additives – just real ingredients you can trust.
Variations of Green Chili Pickle You Can Try
So, once you fall in love with this instant green chili pickle recipe (which I’m sure you will!), don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to experiment with it. That’s the beauty of a homemade chili pickle – it’s super adaptable. Over time, I’ve tried so many tweaks, depending on what’s in my pantry or the kind of mood my taste buds are in that week. Let’s just say this humble hari mirch ka achar has had quite a few glow-ups in my kitchen!
Here are some of my favorite variations of green chili pickle you can try to keep things interesting:
1. Methi-Dhaniya Twist (Fenugreek-Coriander Flavored Pickle)
Add roasted fenugreek seeds (methi) and crushed coriander seeds (dhaniya) for an earthy, slightly bitter punch that complements the heat beautifully. This is a classic combo often seen in traditional North Indian spicy Indian pickles.
2. Garlic Green Chili Pickle
If you love garlic as much as I do, this one’s a no-brainer. Add thinly sliced garlic cloves to the green chili pickle — they absorb all the masala and get insanely flavorful. Perfect with dal-chawal or aloo paratha.
3. Lemon-Infused Green Chili Achar
Add a few extra spoons of lemon juice for a tangier version of the hari mirch ka achar. Or go full lemon-lover mode and throw in thin lemon slices too! It gives a refreshing citrus kick to the fiery flavor.
4. South Indian Style with Mustard & Curry Leaves
Tempering the chili pickle in mustard oil with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) gives it a totally different personality. This one reminds me of the Andhra-style spicy pickles that pair beautifully with curd rice.
5. Mixed Veg Pickle with Green Chilies
Toss in some diced carrots or sliced raw mangoes with the green chilies. This way, your homemade achar becomes a mixed pickle that has heat, crunch, and tartness — all in one bite!
6. Vinegar-Preserved Chili Pickle
If you want your green chili pickle to last longer without refrigeration, use white vinegar instead of lemon juice. It gives a sharp tang and preserves the pickle beautifully for months.
7. Sweet & Spicy Chili Pickle
A teeny-tiny pinch of jaggery or sugar can balance the heat and give your instant chili pickle a delightful sweet note. Especially great if your chilies are extra fiery.
Whether you like your hari mirch ka achar super spicy, garlicky, tangy, or with a bit of crunch — there’s a version here for you. Trust me, once you start experimenting, there’s no going back to the store-bought jars.
What to Serve With Hari Mirch Ka Achar?
Let’s be honest — hari mirch ka achar isn’t just a sidekick on the plate; it’s that spicy little star that can transform the simplest meal into something unforgettable. At home, this green chili pickle is treated with way more respect than it looks like it demands — we actually get excited when the jar comes to the table!
Here’s how I love serving this instant achar in everyday meals, and some ways you can use it to give your plate a flavor boost:
1. With Simple Dal-Chawal
This is the most ghar ka khana pairing ever — steaming hot dal, perfectly cooked basmati rice, a spoonful of ghee… and that sharp kick of hari mirch ka achar on the side. It’s comfort food with a punch.
2. Rolled into Parathas or Theplas
You know that moment when you tear a hot aloo paratha, spread a bit of butter, and realize something’s missing? Yup — it’s this green chili pickle. Also works beautifully with theplas, mooli paratha, or plain rotis.
3. In Sandwiches & Rolls
It might sound wild, but adding a tiny spoonful of instant green chili pickle to your veggie sandwich or kathi roll brings in a spicy surprise that will totally wake up your taste buds!
4. Alongside Khichdi or Curd Rice
When your plate is too mellow (hello, khichdi or curd rice), just one bite of this spicy Indian achar lifts the whole meal. It’s like adding drama to a quiet story.
5. As Part of a Thali
No Indian thali is complete without a touch of pickle. This homemade hari mirch achar fits right in — sitting happily next to sabzis, dal, chapati, and rice. It ties everything together.
6. With Sabzi and Roti
Even a basic meal of dry sabzi and roti can become crave-worthy with a small dollop of this green chili pickle. It adds just enough heat to keep things exciting.
7. With Poha, Upma, or Chilla
Breakfast? Why not! A spoonful of hari mirch ka achar on the side of poha or besan chilla works surprisingly well. Especially when you’re in the mood for something spicy to kickstart the day.
So whether it’s a full-blown festive spread or a lazy weekday dinner, this instant green chili achar deserves a spot on your plate. And believe me, once you start serving it with different dishes, you’ll find yourself reaching for that jar a lot more often than expected!
Storage Tips for Instant Pickles
Let’s be real — once you make a batch of this hari mirch ka achar, you’re going to want it to last as long as possible. And honestly, it can — if you follow a few basic storage tips that I swear by!
- Use sterilized glass jars – Always store your instant green chili pickle in a clean, dry, airtight glass jar. Avoid plastic or metal as they can react with the acids in the achar.
- Keep it refrigerated – While some pickles stay fine outside, this instant version lasts longer and stays fresher in the fridge. It can stay good for 2-3 weeks easily!
- No wet spoons, ever – This is non-negotiable. One drop of water and the whole jar could go bad. Always use a dry spoon.
- Stir every few days – Give the pickle a gentle mix every 2–3 days to ensure the oil and masala coat all the chilies evenly.
Trust me, your homemade achar will stay vibrant and delicious till the last bite if you show it this little bit of love.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pickle
Making achar is like passing down a little piece of tradition. Over time, I’ve picked up a few small but game-changing tips that can make all the difference between a meh pickle and a “where did you buy this from?” pickle.
- Use fresh, firm chilies – Soft or wilted green chilies won’t give you that signature crunch.
- Slit, don’t chop – Keeping the chilies whole (with a slit) makes them easier to pick up and ensures the masala seeps in slowly.
- Dry everything completely – This includes chilies, your mixing bowl, and the jar. Moisture = mold.
- Warm your mustard oil – Slightly heating the oil brings out its sharpness and blends better with spices.
- Let it sit for a day – Even though it’s “instant,” letting the achar sit overnight allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
Once you get this process right, you’ll never go back to store-bought pickles again.
Can You Reuse Leftover Green Chili Pickle Masala?
Raise your hand if you’ve ever stared at the leftover masala at the bottom of your pickle jar and wondered if you should just… eat it with a spoon. (No judgment — I’ve done it.)
But honestly, this spicy, oil-soaked achar masala is too good to waste. Here are some clever ways to give it a second life:
- Toss it with aloo – Sauté boiled potatoes with leftover masala for a quick “achar aloo” side dish.
- Add to paratha stuffing – Mix it with mashed paneer or boiled veggies before stuffing parathas.
- Use in tadka – Add a spoon of masala to your dal or sabzi for an extra hit of tangy-spicy flavor.
- Mix with yogurt – Make a spicy raita by stirring a bit into thick curd. Perfect with plain rice or khichdi!
Just be sure the leftover masala hasn’t gone rancid, and you’re good to go!
How to Make Instant Hari Mirch Ka Achar at Home?
Instant Hari Mirch ka Acha
Ingredients
- 100 gram fresh green chili
- 10 gram salt
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder haldi
- 2 tbsp split mustard seeds rai ki dal
- ½ tbsp fennel seeds saunf, coarsely crushed
- 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp asafetida hing
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
Instructions
- Wash the green chilies ,discard the stems and wipe them well with a napkin. Slit from the center and make it into 2 pieces. Or you can just chop into big pieces.
- Add salt and turmeric to the sliced chilies. Set aside. In the meanwhile, heat mustard oil to smoking point. Allow it to cool slightly and then add rai ki dal. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Mix all ingredients together, stir well and store in a glass jar. Pickle can be used immediately. Store in refrigerator if you plan to use for few days. Stays fresh for 7-10 days.
झटपट हरी मिर्च का अचार कैसे बनाएं
झटपट हरी मिर्च का अचार एक ऐसा तीखा और स्वाद से भरपूर अचार है जो हर भारतीय थाली को और भी स्वादिष्ट बना देता है। कुछ ही सामग्री जैसे हरी मिर्च, सरसों का तेल, सौंफ, मेथी और हींग के साथ ये अचार कुछ ही मिनटों में बन जाता है। अचार को काँच के जार में सुखा कर स्टोर करें और हमेशा सूखे चम्मच का ही उपयोग करें ताकि यह हफ्तों तक टिका रहे। अगर बचा हुआ मसाला हो तो उसे आलू में, पराठों की स्टफिंग में या दाल के तड़के में इस्तेमाल किया जा सकता है। इसका तीखापन और देसी स्वाद हर खाने को खास बना देता है, और सबसे बड़ी बात – ये अचार पूरी तरह घर पर बना है, बिना किसी प्रिज़र्वेटिव के।
हरी मिरचीचा झटपट लोणचं कसं तयार कराल?
झटपट तयार होणारं हरी मिरचीचं लोणचं हे प्रत्येक जेवणात खास चव वाढवतं. फक्त काही साध्या सामग्री – हिरव्या मिरच्या, मोहरीचं तेल, सौंफ, हिंग, आणि मेथी वापरून हे लोणचं अगदी काही मिनिटांत तयार होतं. हे लोणचं स्वच्छ आणि कोरड्या काचांच्या बाटलीत भरून फ्रिजमध्ये ठेवा आणि नेहमी कोरडाच चमचा वापरा. उरलेला मसाला वाया घालवू नका – तो तुम्ही बटाट्यांमध्ये, पराठ्यांच्या सारणात किंवा भाजीच्या फोडणीमध्ये वापरू शकता. घरगुती लोणच्याचा खमंग वास आणि चव प्रत्येक जेवणात जीव ओततो – आणि सगळ्यात महत्त्वाचं म्हणजे हे लोणचं आपण स्वतः घरी बनवलं आहे!
Frequently Asked Questions – Instant Green Chili Pickle Recipe
To make instant green chili pickle at home, simply slit fresh green chilies and mix them with mustard oil, salt, fennel seeds (saunf), fenugreek seeds (methi dana), and asafoetida (hing). Let it rest for a few hours to absorb flavors and it’s ready! This no-fuss recipe requires no fermentation and is perfect when you want a quick spicy achar.
If stored properly in a clean, dry, airtight glass jar and refrigerated, homemade hari mirch ka achar can last for up to 2–3 weeks. Always use a dry spoon and avoid moisture to extend its shelf life.
Yes, for best results and longer shelf life, instant green chili pickle should be stored in the refrigerator. This helps preserve its freshness and prevents spoilage, especially in humid climates.
Use medium-spicy, fresh green chilies like Bhavnagri or finger-length desi green chilies. They hold the masala well and offer the right balance of heat and crunch for homemade green chili pickle recipes.
Absolutely! The leftover masala from green chili pickle is a flavor bomb. You can use it to sauté potatoes, stuff parathas, flavor dals, or even spread it on theplas and rotis for a zingy twist.
Mustard oil adds depth, flavor, and acts as a natural preservative in hari mirch ka achar. Its strong aroma enhances the spice mix and keeps the pickle fresh longer.
Yes! Adding lemon juice or white vinegar boosts the tanginess and acts as a natural preservative. It also enhances the overall flavor of the green chili pickle recipe.
This usually happens if the chilies aren’t dried properly before pickling or if moisture enters the jar. Always pat dry the chilies completely and use dry utensils to prevent mushiness in the achar.
Use sterilized glass jars or traditional ceramic bharanis. Avoid plastic as it may react with mustard oil and spices. Glass is the safest and most hygienic option for storing instant green chili pickle.
You can add garlic, grated mango, or lemon wedges for a unique twist. Some people even blend in jaggery or methi powder to balance the spice with slight sweetness in their green chili achar recipes.
Final Thoughts – Why This Achar is a Must-Have in Every Kitchen
If you ask me, there’s something magical about having a jar of hari mirch ka achar sitting on your dining table. It’s more than just a condiment – it’s that little spoonful of excitement that adds spark to every meal.
Whether it’s the fiery kick you crave with your dal-chawal or the sharp tang that cuts through buttery parathas, this instant green chili pickle just knows how to make everything taste better. And the best part? You made it yourself – no preservatives, no strange additives, just real ingredients and real flavor.
For me, it’s not just about taste. It’s about tradition, memory, and that feeling of bringing a homemade touch to everyday food. And once you try it, I promise, your kitchen won’t feel complete without it.