A lower-calorie way to make Achar
Achar: crisp turmeric-pickled vegetables with measured peanuts and sesame
Cucumber, cabbage, carrot, pineapple, and long beans stay crisp in a cooked chilli-turmeric vinegar paste with restrained oil, peanuts, and sesame. This measured Singaporean recipe serves 10 at about 150 kcal per portion.
Achar should still taste and look like the familiar dish, even when its richest ingredient is reduced. This version uses salt and dry the vegetables thoroughly, reduce sugar to 45 g, and use 18 g oil plus 60 g peanuts across ten portions. Turmeric, dried chilli, ginger, garlic, vinegar, pineapple, toasted peanut, sesame, and mustard seed build achar's sweet-sour aromatic crunch.
What changes—and what stays
From oil- and sugar-rich achar can reach 250–350 kcal to 150 calories
salt and dry the vegetables thoroughly, reduce sugar to 45 g, and use 18 g oil plus 60 g peanuts across ten portions. Turmeric, dried chilli, ginger, garlic, vinegar, pineapple, toasted peanut, sesame, and mustard seed build achar's sweet-sour aromatic crunch.
| Part | Conventional | Lighter | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core method | More added fat or a heavier proportion | salt and dry the vegetables thoroughly, reduce sugar to 45 g, and use 18 g oil plus 60 g peanuts across ten portions | Turmeric, dried chilli, ginger, garlic, vinegar, pineapple, toasted peanut, sesame, and mustard seed build achar's sweet-sour aromatic crunch. |
How the flavor stays
Turmeric, dried chilli, ginger, garlic, vinegar, pineapple, toasted peanut, sesame, and mustard seed build achar's sweet-sour aromatic crunch.
A cost rule that survives inflation
Long-keeping cabbage and carrots form most of ten portions, while smaller amounts of pineapple, nuts, and spices supply contrast.
Ingredients for 10
Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.
- 600 gcucumber
- 600 gcabbage
- 400 gcarrots
- 350 gpineapple
- 300 glong beans
- 180 mlrice vinegar
- 60 groasted peanuts and sesame seeds
- 70 gdried chilli, turmeric, ginger, garlic, mustard seed, sugar, and 18 g oil
Method
Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.
Step 1 · follow the visible cue
Prepare the measured components
Cut vegetables evenly, salt briefly, rinse, squeeze, and spread them until all surface moisture evaporates.
Look for: Cucumber bends without dripping and cabbage and carrots feel dry and crisp.
Step 2 · follow the visible cue
Build the defining flavour
Pound chilli, turmeric, ginger, and garlic, then fry with mustard seed in measured oil until aromatic.
Look for: The paste turns deep yellow-red and holds together without raw garlic smell.
Step 3 · follow the visible cue
Cook with controlled heat
Add vinegar and measured sugar, reduce to a glossy syrup, then blanch long beans briefly in it.
Look for: The pickle liquid coats the spoon and beans stay green with a sharp snap.
Step 4 · follow the visible cue
Finish and check the texture
Cool the paste, fold through all vegetables, pineapple, peanuts, and sesame, then chill before serving.
Look for: Pieces remain distinct and crunchy with no watery brine or oil collecting below.
Calories at the same serving size
150 kcal · 50% lower estimated
The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 10 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.
Keep the leftovers in the same spirit
Cool Achar promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot; keep crisp or fresh components separate where possible.
Cool Achar promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot; keep crisp or fresh components separate where possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare Achar ahead?
Yes. Complete the preparation stages in advance, then do the final crisping, dressing, or assembly close to serving so Achar keeps its intended texture. Cool Achar promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the portion needed until piping hot; keep crisp or fresh components separate where possible.
Does the calorie estimate for Achar include sides?
No. The estimate covers one portion made from the measured ingredients listed here; drinks, chips, salad dressing, and other side dishes need to be counted separately. salt and dry the vegetables thoroughly, reduce sugar to 45 g, and use 18 g oil plus 60 g peanuts across ten portions.
- cucumber600 g
- cabbage600 g
- carrots400 g
- pineapple350 g
CaloNote · mobile analysis example
Check the Achar serving you actually made
Photograph the finished plate in CaloNote, review the detected ingredients and portion, and correct the estimate before saving.
This uses the real CaloNote meal-detail layout with this recipe’s photo and estimated nutrition. Actual AI results vary with the photo and portion.
Analyze my meal in CaloNoteMethod and sources
Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial
This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.
- Health Promotion Board Singapore — Energy and Nutrient Composition of Food
- HealthHub Singapore — My Healthy Plate
Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026
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