The most important ingredient in our Indian kitchen, without which cooking is next to impossible is chillies and its byproducts. There are many varieties of chillies cultivated in India each with distinct flavor and color. The prominent varieties are Dhani, Byadagi, Sannam, Mundu, Jwala, Hindupur, Jwala, Kanthari white, Madras puri, Ellachipur Sannam, Kashmiri Chilli, Sattur, Mundu, Tadappally, Tomato chilli, Bhoot jholakia, etc. Fresh, dried, powdered or pickled we Indians love our chillies in any shape, form and size. Especially in Andhra and Telangana, we love chillies even more as the cooking practices and delicacies and the palette adore the spicy taste. One of the most well-known varieties from Andhra and Telangana is Gunturu chillies with extreme hot potency and ground chili powder is extensively used. We Indians are extremely creative with our food and keep inventing new ways to bring more variety on to our plates with health and nourishment. Pickling is one such age-old creative practice to preserve the seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetable for a longer duration and enjoy them even when they might not be available. Most of the fruits and vegetables are pickled but the most pickled are Amla (Usirikayi), Mango, Lemon, and Chilli. Red chilli pickle, the name itself can be so mouthwatering and alluring for most of us. Making of chilli pickle is a beautiful process as after harvesting the green chillies, few are left on the plant to ripe and turn red. After harvesting these red ripe chillies are washed and ground into a paste along with garlic, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, tamarind, turmeric, curry leaves, oil, fenugreek seeds and salt. This paste is stored in glass or porcelain jar for two to three weeks before it is eaten for the pickle to set in. Pandu Mirapakaya pickle is one of the most famous pickles of South India. It stands 3rd in line of delicious pickles after Avakai Pickle and Gongura Pickle. The taste of morsel/muddha of hot rice, homemade ghee and Pandu Mirapakaya pickle will make you and take you to the heaven of taste. I remember my childhood memories of having fed by hot rice, Pandu Mirapakaya pickle and ghee from my grandma, those are glory the days and wish every time to come back. Pandu Mirapakaya pickle or Red Chilli Achar stored in an earthen pot gives you even more taste.