Mango Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Indian Delicacy
Mango Rice, or Mamidikaya Annam in Telugu, is a delightful South Indian dish that brings together the tangy flavor of raw mangoes and the rich aroma of spices. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal choice for lunch or a festive meal. It is quick to prepare and packs a burst of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients for Mango Rice
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Mango (Ripe or Raw) | 1-1 1/2 cups |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Jaggery | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | As required |
| Rice | 1-1 1/2 cups |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutritional Information
Mango Rice is a delightful vegetarian dish that offers the goodness of fresh mangoes and a combination of healthy spices. The raw mangoes provide vitamin C, while the peanuts offer protein and healthy fats. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for a serving of Mango Rice:
- Calories: 250-300 kcal per serving (varies with portions and ingredients used)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8-10g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugar: 8g
Instructions to Prepare Mango Rice
-
Soak the Rice
Begin by soaking the rice in water for 20 minutes. After the soaking time, cook the rice in a pressure cooker with enough water until it is soft and fluffy. Once done, spread the rice on a plate to allow it to cool slightly, then set it aside. -
Prepare Mango Paste
Peel the mangoes and chop them into small pieces. In a blender, add the chopped mangoes, dry red chillies, 1 chopped green chilli, sesame seeds, peanuts, grated coconut, and jaggery. Blend these ingredients into a semi-fine paste. Make sure not to make it too smooth; a slightly coarse texture adds to the dish’s flavor. -
Sauté the Spices
In a large pan, heat some sunflower oil. Add raw peanuts and sauté them on low heat until they turn golden brown. Next, add the mustard seeds, urad dal, and channa dal (optional). Let them crackle for a few seconds. Then, add 12-15 curry leaves and 1 or 2 dry red chillies. Sauté the mixture for a couple of minutes to infuse the oil with the flavors. -
Add Spices and Mango Paste
To the pan, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and turmeric powder. Stir well, allowing the spices to release their fragrance. Add the prepared mango and coconut paste to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors combine. Add salt to taste and cook for an additional minute. -
Mix with Rice
Once the mango paste has cooked to your liking, gently add the pre-cooked rice into the pan. Stir the rice and paste together, making sure the rice is well coated with the mango and spice mixture. Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry. -
Serve
Mango Rice is now ready to be served. It pairs beautifully with spicy potato roast or a side of cooling raita and tangy pickle.
Tips for the Best Mango Rice
- Rice: Ensure that the rice is not overcooked so that it retains its shape and texture. The grains should be separate and fluffy.
- Mango: For the best flavor, use raw, slightly unripe mangoes. The tanginess of raw mango is the key element that makes this dish so unique.
- Peanuts: Roasting the peanuts brings out their flavor. Be careful not to burn them while sautéing.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chillies according to your preference for spice. You can also add green chillies for an extra punch.
Variations of Mango Rice
While the classic Mango Rice recipe is already delicious, you can customize it to suit your preferences:
- Vegan Option: Skip the jaggery and use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- Spicy Mango Rice: For an extra fiery kick, add more green chillies or a dash of red chilli powder.
- With Lentils: Add toor dal or moong dal for extra protein and a more hearty dish.
Conclusion
Mango Rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. It is a delightful blend of sour, sweet, and spicy elements that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether served with a side of crunchy potato roast or with cooling raita, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It is easy to make, healthy, and perfect for a variety of occasions, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and delicious Indian meal.
