Recipes Appetizers Achari Pimiento Cheese Spread Be the first to rate & review! Chef Farhan Momin gave this Southern staple a makeover by incorporating his mother’s classic Indian pickling spices into the cheese mixture. Serve this with some crackers, between two slices of white bread, or toasted naan. By Farhan Momin Updated on February 7, 2023 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Victor Protasio Active Time: 15 mins Total Time: 3 hrs 25 mins Yield: 6 Ingredients ACHARI MASALA 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon kalonji (nigella seeds) 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chile powder PIMIENTO CHEESE 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup) 4 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup) 2 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup mayonnaise (such as Duke’s) 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimientos, drained (about 1/2 cup) Kosher salt, to taste 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil Directions Make the achari masala Combine coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, kalonji, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and peppercorns in a small skillet. Cook over medium-high, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from skillet, and cool completely, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a coffee grinder or spice mill, and grind to a fine powder. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in chile powder. Make the pimiento cheese Stir together shredded cheeses, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimientos, and salt to taste in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium until shimmering. Turn off heat, and add 1 tablespoon achari masala. Allow spices to bloom in hot oil, stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. (Keep an eye out at this stage; the spices can burn easily if the oil or pan is too hot.) Remove from skillet, and let cool completely, about 10 minutes. Stir spice-oil mixture into cheese mixture until combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or, for best results, up to 8 hours or overnight. Serve with crackers or on toasted naan. Rate it Print