Summer is here, and it brought mangoes. Easily the king of fruits, mangoes are a prized must-have for the season. Whether in the form of a raw green or ripe orange, this fruit has its own unmatched charm when it comes to both savory and sweet recipes. To beat the heat, here are some traditional yet simple ways you can savor the delicious fruit this summer.
1. Raw mango pickle
This is a dish that needs a bit of work and needs to be prepped before summer, but once you get it right, it’s a real gem.
Fast guide: Chop raw (green) mangoes, add your favorite spice mix, oil and salt, dry in the sun for several days until the skin shrivels. Have with or between meals.
2. Raw mango sorbet
It is also widely known as “Aam Panna” in Indian languages and is a chemical free indigenous way of quenching your thirst.
Fast guide: Grill raw mangoes directly over a flame, peel off the burnt skin, mash the flesh, dilute with water, add sugar and salt to taste. Serve with ice.
3. Raw Mango Chutney
Another innovation from the Indian subcontinent, this is prepared as a dessert substitute after meals. It takes a while to get the right texture, but then it tastes like heaven.
Fast guide: Peel and chop the raw mangoes, cook over low heat with spices and oil, add sugar (lots of it), stir until thick, cool and serve.
4. Lentil and mango soup
The quickest and easiest of all, this one cools down the body temperature and acts as a great side to rice.
Fast guide: Chop raw mangoes and boil them. Cook the lentils (split red lentils are best) as usual. Mix in the boiled raw mangoes last. Balance salt and water for a runny consistency and less acid taste.
5. Mango ice cream
A break from traditional raw mango preparations, this one is for the “quick dessert” crowd. All you need are ripe mangoes and vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert.
Fast guide: Peel and chop the ripe mangoes into small pieces. Mix them in a bowl with some good quality vanilla ice cream. Call your gang!
In fact, mangoes can be so versatile that we sometimes don’t realize how many recipes have been and are still thought to include this great fruit. Choose your favorite this season and fill your summer with joy.
