A comfort for some, extravagance for others, Exquisite and heavenly, luscious and luxuriant, Green, yellow, orange and red, raw or ripe, spiced up or sugary, pulpy, cubed or sliced, Exotic & mystical, star of summer……. the one and only king of fruits …the glorious mango. The wild mango is said to have originated in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and Myanmar. Its first known cultivation was around 5,000 years ago in Southern India, Myanmar, and the Andamans.
Mangos are related to cashews and pistachios. A mango is a drupe: a fleshy fruit with a thin skin and a large, pithy central stone called an endocarp that contains the fruit’s seed. Olives, dates, and cherries are drupes, and, as nutty as it sounds, the cashew and pistachio also come from drupes, making them distant cousins of the mango.
By some accounts, India still houses the oldest fruit-bearing mango tree in the present-day Jalgaon, Maharashtra. When it was planted, the area was known as East Khandesh. Foodialogues brings another mango special…MAMBAZHA KOOTAN… a thick stew-like savory delicacy from Kerala. My love for this fruit never will vanish, Hail the king!
MAMBAZHA KOOTAN RECIPE
Ingredients for Mambazha Kootan Recipe:
- Ripe mango cubes 1 c
- Whipped curd 1 c
- Turmeric powder 1 tsp
For Paste:
- Red chilly 4
- Cumin seeds 1 tsp
- Mustard seeds 1/ 2 tsp
- Coconut grated 2 tbsp
For tempering:
- Asafoetida 1/ 2 tsp
- Curry leaves few
- Broken red chilly 2
- Coconut oil 1 tbsp
- Salt as required.
Preparation Method for Mambazha Kootan Recipe:
- Take a heavy-bottomed pan. Add 1 c of water, Turmeric, and the mango cubes. Cover and cook on low flame for 5 minutes.
- Grind the ingredients given for the paste. Use a little water and make a smooth paste. Add the paste to the mangoes along with required salt.
- Bring to a boil on low flame. Simmer for 5 minutes. Switch off the flame. Add the whisked curds and mix well.
- Temper and serve with hot rice. Tempering oil should be coconut oil which enhances the flavor of the dish.
- A small piece of jaggery balances the taste.
A Delicious “Mambazha Kootan” is ready 🙂
