If there’s one season I look forward to while living on my beautiful twin islands in the Caribbean, it’s mango season. Every time it comes around, I have the time of my life. Each season, on my list of things to make, there’s Red Mango or mango jam, Curried Mango, mango chow, mango chutney, and of course the super-duper delicious Masala Mango, aka mango talkari.
Living in the multicultural society of Trinidad and Tobago means one of the aspects you get to enjoy is the different foods and flavors. Masala mango shows up at every gathering. I remember enjoying it, especially when my mother would make us paratha roti, curried aloo, channa, and spicy curried chicken. It was a beautiful, sweet, tart, and spicy combination when compared to the different curry flavors. I love it as a little snack, which further attests to the versatility that comes from mangoes. Here’s my recipe, do enjoy.
- INGREDIENTS DETAILS :-
. Mangoes:
-Mangoes are a tropical fruit known for their sweet and juicy flavor.
- When half-ripened, mangoes are firmer and slightly tangy compared to fully ripe mangoes.
- Cutting up the mango seeds involves removing the flesh surrounding the seed, which is often fibrous and can be used in cooking.
- Vegetable Oil:
- Vegetable oil is a neutral-flavored oil commonly used in cooking and baking.
- It is often used for sautéing, frying, and as an ingredient in salad dressings and marinades.
- Anchar Masala:
- Anchar masala is a blend of spices used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
- The specific composition of anchar masala can vary, but it typically includes spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and more.
- Anchar masala adds flavor and heat to dishes.
- Brown Sugar:
- Brown sugar is a sweetener made from white sugar and molasses.
- It has a moist texture and a slightly caramel-like flavor.
- Brown sugar is commonly used in baking, marinades, sauces, and certain savory dishes.
- Garlic:
- Garlic is a pungent and flavorful bulb used in cooking worldwide.
- It adds a savory depth of flavor to dishes and is often used in both raw and cooked forms.
- Crushing garlic helps release its aromatic compounds and flavor.
- Salt:
- Salt is a mineral composed mainly of sodium chloride and is used to enhance the flavor of food.
- It is a crucial ingredient in cooking and baking, as it helps balance and amplify other flavors.
- Hot Pepper:
- Hot peppers, such as chili peppers, add heat and spice to dishes.
- The spiciness of hot peppers is due to a compound called capsaicin.
- Hot peppers can vary in heat level, so adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
*INGREDIENTS AND ALTERNATIVES:-
- Mangoes (6 medium half-ripened):
- Alternatives: You can substitute the mangoes with other fruits like Pommecythere (Golden Apple), sour cherries or green plums.
- Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup):
- Alternatives: Olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil can be used as substitutes for vegetable oil. Choose a neutral-flavored oil or one that complements the flavors of the dish.
- Anchar Masala (6 tbsp):
- Alternatives: If you don’t have Anchar Masala, you can use a mix of curry powder, garam masala, or a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to create a similar flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar (1 2/3 cups):
- Alternatives: You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. Keep in mind that each alternative will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, crushed):
- Alternatives: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as a substitute. Adjust the amount based on the potency of the garlic powder.
- Salt (2 tsp):
- Alternatives: You can use sea salt, kosher salt, Himalayan pink salt, or low-sodium salt as alternatives to regular table salt. Adjust the amount based on the saltiness of the alternative you choose.
- Hot Pepper (to taste):
- Alternatives: Depending on your preference for heat, you can use chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, fresh chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce as alternatives to hot peppers. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of spiciness.
By using these ingredient alternatives, you can adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or accommodate any dietary restrictions. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients in your cooking!
MANGO TALKARI (MASALA MANGO)
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of masala mango, a tantalizing dish that beautifully combines the sweet and tangy flavors of mangoes with a spicy kick. This recipe features fleshy half-ripened mangoes simmered in a fragrant blend of Anchar masala, brown sugar, garlic, and hot peppers, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The dish is cooked until the mangoes are soft and fully infused with the rich flavors of the masala mixture, resulting in a luscious and aromatic treat that can be enjoyed either hot or cold. Treat your taste buds to this flavorful masala mango recipe, perfect for adding a touch of exotic flair to your dining experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
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1. Wash and drain the chopped mangoes, and set aside.
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2. In a large saucepan, add oil over medium-high heat and heat for a few seconds before adding crushed garlic and hot pepper. Stir for a few moments.
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3. Add Anchar Masala and mix, then seconds later, add mangoes and mix.
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4. Add enough water to the saucepan until it just almost covers the mangoes. Add sugar and salt, and mix. Cover and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes.
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5. Uncover and taste. If the mangoes are still a bit tart, gradually add some more sugar.
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6. At this point, the liquid should be thicker.
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7. Reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer for a further 10-15 minutes until at least half of the liquid has been reduced, or less, and the skin of the mango is falling off the bone to touch.
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8. Remove from heat and serve hot or cold.
Note
Cooks notes :
Several persons choose to prep their mangoes by boiling it before cooking in spices to remove some of the tartness from the mangoes or in some cases to give it more of softer texture.