Date achar, Kerala sweet and spicy pickle

Ingredients

• 250 g of pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped ginger
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic
• 4 green chili peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of hot pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
• salt
• 120 ml of vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chili peppers
• One bunch of curry leaves
• 3 to 4 tablespoons of mustard oil

Finely chop the dates.

Heat some oil in a frying pan and add the mustard seeds.

Add the dried chili peppers, curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and green chili peppers, and cook until browned.

Add the turmeric and chili powder, and cook briefly, then add the dates.

Add the salt, vinegar, and, if desired, the sugar, and mix well.

Cook for a few minutes over low heat, then let cool and store in a clean glass jar.