For foodies, summer is synonymous with the mango season. During India’s scorching summers, with temperature soaring over 45° celsius, the mango season offers abundant pleasure.
Mango lovers look forward to sucking the stringy orange pulp, licking the juice off their fingers or daintily scooping out the flesh with a spoon for the heavenly experience.
Over 1000 varieties of mangoes grow in India and we can make myriad dishes from this fruit. Here are some of the most famous ones:
1. Mango Smoothie
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com
To quench your thirst during the hot summer days, all you have to do is put your blender to work. Yes, mix and blend mango along with some other favourite fruits to come up with refreshing smoothies.
2. Aam Papad
Photo by Paavani Jain
This candy dish is a method of preserving ripe mangoes in different ways, and that too with different fillings like gulukand, chaat masala, coconut etc. The tangy flavour gives it an overall Indian blend.
3. Mango Chutney (Launji in Hindi)
Photo by Sabhyata Badhwar
Raw mangoes, garlic, mint and black salt are all blended together to make this finger licking fusion. Believe me, this dish can make even a dull, monotonous meal interesting.
4. Aam ka Aachaar
Photo by Sabhyata Badhwar
This is the most popular pickle every Indian has been eating ever since they were children. In fact, different regions in India have their own little secret for its preparation.
This mouth-smacking pickle can easily tempt anybody with its fragrance, attractive colour and spiciness. It’s sour and tangy flavour goes well with Indian cuisine.
5. Aam Panna
Photo by Tarunima
Aam panna is a typical Indian summer thirst quencher. Made with mango pulp, cumin and mint leaves, you’ll love the freshness of this drink. It also acts as an Ayurvedic remedy for heat strokes.
6. Mango Ice Cream
Photo by Yatin Arora
What can be better than an ice cream on a hot summer day? And that too in our favourite mango flavour. Yeah, that scoop of ice cream is irresistible and a blessing for your tongue in summers.
7. Mango Chaat
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com
To make this sweet, sour and spicy concoction all you need is ripe mangoes with chaat masala, lime juice and salt. This lip smacking and healthy dish will be ready to satisfy your taste buds in just 90 seconds.
8. Mango Chicken Curry
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com
Mango and chicken are a power combo. One must experiment with chicken curry by adding mango pulp. To get a nice tart accent, use green mangoes and for a sweet flavour in curry go for alphonso mangoes. The resultant mango chicken is something you would like to have again and again.
9. Mango Lassi
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com
This yogurt based mango flavoured drink is a delicious and a healthy option to keep yourself fresh and energetic when mercury rises.
10. Mango Jam
Photo courtesy of Flickr.com
How can jam be left behind? Versatile mango jam is one of those dishes that can last all year long. It can be enjoyed with bread at breakfast, as a snack or as a dessert.
More spoonfuls of mangoes here: