Mangalorean Style Ambe Upkari (Ripe Mango Curry) Recipe
Mangalorean cuisine, famous for its blend of spices and flavors, is a delight to anyone who enjoys South Indian food. This Ambe Upkari (Ripe Mango Curry) is a quintessential Mangalorean dish, commonly served as a side dish with steamed rice and other traditional fare. The recipe harnesses the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with jaggery and a tempering of mustard seeds and dry red chillies, resulting in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced curry that pairs perfectly with other South Indian dishes.
Hereโs how you can recreate this traditional, aromatic Mangalorean dish at home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Mango (fibrous, smaller variety) | 6 (adjust based on size) |
| Jaggery (powdered) | 1/2 cup (adjust to sweetness of mangoes) |
| Green Chillies | 2 (slit, adjust to taste) |
| Ghee or Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Mangalorean
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Mangoes:
- Wash the ripe mangoes thoroughly. Use your hands to peel the mangoes, ensuring that you get rid of the skin. Itโs fine if some mango pulp sticks to the skin; it wonโt go to waste.
- Place the peeled mangoes in a saucepan and set aside.
- Collect the mango peels in a bowl. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the peels, just enough to submerge them. Using your hands, squeeze the peels in the water to extract any remaining pulp.
- Once done, transfer this flavored water into the saucepan with the peeled mangoes. Continue adding more water to the peels and squeezing until the water is almost clear.
-
Cook the Mangoes:
- Add slit green chillies to the mangoes in the saucepan.
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the mangoes simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they become soft and well-cooked. The mangoes should be tender and break apart easily.
-
Add Sweetness and Seasoning:
- Add powdered jaggery to the simmering mangoes, adjusting the quantity based on the sweetness of your mangoes. Stir in salt to taste.
- Mix everything together well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes or more until the flavors meld together and the curry reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker curry, you can mix 2-3 teaspoons of rice flour in 1/4 cup of water and add it to the boiling curry. Stir and cook until the curry thickens.
-
Temper the Curry:
- In a small pan, heat the ghee (or coconut oil). Once hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start spluttering, add the dry red chillies and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
- Quickly add this tempering to the simmering mango curry and give it a good stir to incorporate all the flavors.
-
Serve:
- Your Mangalorean Style Ambe Upkari (Ripe Mango Curry) is now ready to be served! The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Mangalorean Style Sajjige Rotti, Sprouted Moong Dal Curry, or Mangalorean Style Sonay Sukka (Dry Chickpea Stir Fry).
Tips & Variations:
- Mango Type: For the best flavor, use a fibrous, smaller variety of mango, as it adds the right texture to the curry. Larger, smoother mangoes may not provide the same depth of flavor.
- Consistency: The consistency of the curry can be adjusted to your preference. For a more diluted curry, add more water, and for a thicker gravy, use a rice flour slurry.
- Sweetness: Adjust the jaggery based on the natural sweetness of the mangoes. Some mangoes are naturally sweeter, while others might require more jaggery.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of ghee. The coconut oil complements the flavors beautifully and keeps the dish vegan-friendly.
Nutritional Information (Approx.):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 0.5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar (from mangoes) | 28g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
Enjoy this Mangalorean-style mango curry as a delightful side dish that embodies the richness of Konkani flavors. Whether youโre having it with rice or as an accompaniment to a multi-course South Indian meal, Ambe Upkari is sure to be a hit at your dining table.
