Mango Rice Recipe – A Flavorful Indian Delight
Mango rice, known for its vibrant flavors and rich texture, is a quintessential South Indian dish that combines tangy raw mango with the subtle spices of mustard, sesame, and curry leaves. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the goodness of seasonal mangoes, especially when served with cooling sides like cucumber raita and crispy papads. Ideal for lunch or dinner, mango rice is a comforting and satisfying vegetarian dish, packed with nutrients and flavor.
Here’s how to prepare this delightful recipe:
Ingredients
The ingredients for Mango Rice are simple and can be easily found in most kitchens, offering a harmonious blend of spices, crunchy peanuts, and the unique tang of raw mango. Here’s what you will need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Raw mango (peeled and chopped) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Sesame seeds (white) | 1 tsp |
| Peanuts | 1/4 cup |
| Jaggery (grated) | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry red chili (for tempering) | 1 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Urad dal (split black lentils) | 1/2 tsp |
| Chana dal (split chickpeas) | 1/2 tsp |
| Rice (washed) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | As required |
| Cooking oil | As required |
| Asafoetida (hing) | A pinch |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 2
Instructions
To prepare Mango Rice, follow these simple steps that bring together the aroma of spices and the unique taste of raw mango:
-
Soak the Rice:
Begin by soaking the rice in water for about 30 minutes. This helps in making the rice softer and fluffier once cooked. -
Cook the Rice:
After soaking, transfer the rice to a pressure cooker. Add sufficient water and cook it until you hear 2 to 3 whistles. Once cooked, spread the rice on a flat surface or plate to cool it down. -
Prepare the Mango Paste:
While the rice is cooling, peel and chop the raw mango. In a blender, add the mango pieces, dry red chilies, green chili, sesame seeds, half of the peanuts, grated coconut, and jaggery. Blend them together to form a coarse paste. This paste will add a tangy and sweet flavor to the rice. -
Tempering the Spices:
Heat oil in a pan or wok. Once the oil is hot, add the peanuts and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This will add a crunchy texture to your mango rice. Next, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal to the pan, and sauté for another minute. -
Adding the Flavorful Spices:
To the tempering, add curry leaves, dry red chili, and cook for about a minute. Follow it with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and turmeric powder. Stir well and let the spices sizzle for about 10 seconds. -
Combine Mango Paste and Rice:
Now, add the prepared mango and coconut paste to the tempering mixture in the pan. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add salt to taste. -
Mix the Rice with Mango Paste:
Finally, add the cooked rice to the pan and mix everything well. The rice will absorb the tangy mango paste, and the spices will coat each grain perfectly. Stir gently to ensure the rice is evenly coated. -
Serving:
Serve the Mango Rice hot with a side of tomato-onion-cucumber raita and crispy papads for a complete and delicious meal. This combination makes it a perfect lunch or dinner option, especially during the mango season.
Nutritional Information
Mango rice is a wholesome and nutritious meal that packs in healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, making it a well-balanced dish. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 60-65 g |
| Protein | 7-8 g |
| Fat | 15-18 g |
| Fiber | 4-5 g |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Potassium | 150-180 mg |
Tips and Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier version, you can add more green chilies or a small piece of ginger while making the mango paste.
- Crunchy Elements: You can also add cashews or almonds along with the peanuts for an extra crunchy texture.
- Sweetness: The jaggery adds a subtle sweetness, but you can adjust the quantity based on your preference. If you prefer a slightly sweeter rice, increase the jaggery.
- Herb Flavor: For a unique twist, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or coriander leaves along with the curry leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Mango rice pairs wonderfully with Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, which adds a cooling effect to balance the spices.
- Papad or crispy chips are great accompaniments to provide an additional crunch to your meal.
- For a more elaborate meal, serve mango rice alongside a lentil curry or vegetable sambar.
This Mango Rice recipe brings together the best of Indian flavors, with a mix of spices and the freshness of mango, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delightful. Whether you’re looking to serve it at a family lunch or as a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and richness.
