Fajeto Recipe – Gujarati Ripe Mango Curry
Fajeto, also known as Gujarati Mango Kadhi, is a tangy, sweet, and savory curry that brings the flavors of ripe mangoes together with yogurt and a blend of aromatic spices. This vibrant dish is typically enjoyed with phulkas (flatbreads), stuffed bhindi (okra), and steamed rice, making it a comforting and flavorful lunch option for weekends or special occasions.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mango (Ripe) – pureed | 1 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Ginger (grated, omit for Jain version) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli (slit) | 2 |
| Curry leaves | 6, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Kadhi Base
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the pureed mango, yogurt, gram flour (besan), red chili powder, turmeric powder, jaggery, and asafoetida. Add 2 cups of water to the mixture and whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The flavors will start to meld, and the texture will thicken slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Tempering (Seasoning)
While the mango kadhi is simmering, heat the ghee in a separate large saucepan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the ghee. Allow them to crackle for a few seconds, which releases their aromatic oils. Next, add the cinnamon stick, dry red chili, curry leaves, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir the mixture for a few seconds, letting the spices infuse the ghee and releasing their delightful fragrances.
Step 3: Combine the Tempering with Kadhi
Once the seasoning (tempering) is ready, carefully pour it over the simmering mango kadhi in the first saucepan. Stir gently to mix the tempering with the kadhi. Taste and adjust the salt or spice levels if needed, making sure the balance of flavors suits your preference.
Step 4: Final Touches
Turn off the heat and garnish the Fajeto (Gujarati Mango Kadhi) with freshly chopped coriander leaves. The vibrant green leaves will add a fresh contrast to the golden curry and enhance its overall appeal.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the delicious Fajeto (Gujarati Mango Kadhi) with freshly made phulkas, stuffed bhindi (okra), and steamed rice for a wholesome, fulfilling meal. This dish is especially wonderful for a weekend lunch when you’re craving something light yet full of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Fajeto:
- Mango Choice: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. The sweetness of the mango pairs perfectly with the tanginess of yogurt.
- Jaggery: Jaggery adds a unique sweetness compared to sugar, giving the dish a warm and earthy flavor. You can adjust the quantity depending on how sweet you want the dish to be.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the red chili and green chili based on your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the green chilies.
- Jain Version: For a Jain version, simply omit the ginger and ensure that no onion, garlic, or root vegetables are used.
This traditional Gujarati Fajeto is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy, making it a standout dish in any meal. Enjoy it with your loved ones and share the vibrant flavors of Gujarat!
