Acar Timun Nanas – Pickled Cucumber and Pineapple Salad
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Acar Timun Nanas is a traditional Indonesian pickled vegetable and fruit dish, featuring cucumbers and pineapples. mixed with some red onions and chili peppers.
This Asian acar recipe has a unique flavor that combines the sweetness of pineapple, the crunch of cucumber, and the spiciness of chili peppers, all balanced by a tangy, vinegary brine. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note to the dish.
Acar is typically served as a side dish or condiment alongside rich, savory Indonesian dishes such as fried rice (nasi goreng), stir-fried noodles (mie goreng), satay, or grilled meats. It adds a refreshing contrast to rich or savory meals.
To prepare Acar authentically, you cook the fruits and vegetables with a vinegar and sugar mixture, adding spices to enhance the flavor. This process helps the flavors meld together and creates a well-balanced pickle.
Not a fan of pineapple? Try the traditional Acar Ketimun where it’s all about the cucumber.
What’s in a Name
The name Acar Timun Nanas translates to Pickled Cucumber Pineapple, with Acar meaning pickled, Timun meaning cucumber, and Nanas meaning pineapple. It may also be spelled as Acar Ketimun Nanas, where Ketimun is simply an alternative Indonesian spelling for cucumber.
The dish is also spelled as Atjar in Dutch-influenced Indonesian cuisine. And similar pickled dishes in Malaysia and Singapore are called Achar.
Storing Leftover Acar
You can keep this acar in an air-tight container in the fridge for about a month. It could last even longer if you make sure the acar is submerged in the vinegar solution, and always use clean utensils to prevent it from going bad.
Ingredient Notes:
- Pineapple: I used canned pineapple to make this pickle, but you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer.
- Gula Jawa (Palm Sugar): A natural sweetener made from the sap of palm trees. It adds a rich, sweetness to the dish. A common substitute is brown sugar.
- Lomboks (Red Chili Peppers): These are mild to moderately spicy chili peppers, commonly found in Indonesian cuisine. If unavailable, use a similar mild red chilies.
Pickled Pineapple and Cucumber Salad (Acar Timun Nanas)
Acar Timun Nanas is an Indonesian pickled dish featuring cucumber and pineapple. This recipe combines the tanginess of vinegar with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a refreshing Asian side dish.
Fits gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unrefined palm sugar (gula jawa)
- 1 can of pineapple (drained and cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cucumber, peeled and cored
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 red chili peppers (lomboks), sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup vinegar
Instructions
- Cut the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumber, red onion, and red chili peppers.
- In a saucepan, bring the water and vinegar to a boil. Add the (gula jawa) sugar and cinnamon stick. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cucumber, pineapple, onion, and chili peppers to the pan. Stir everything together.
- Reduce the heat and let the mix simmer for about 10 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Taste the mixture, and when it’s balanced to your liking, turn off the heat. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the pickle cool.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before serving. For the best flavor, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Notes
Serve cold or at room temperature as a side dish or condiment.
Adjust the amount of chili pepper, sugar, and vinegar to suit your taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 51Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated. These figures should be considered estimates.
