Tangy Mavinakayi Chitranna – Spiced Raw Mango Rice Recipe

Mavinakayi Chitranna Recipe – Spiced Raw Mango Tempered Rice

Mavinakayi Chitranna, a classic South Indian dish, is an exquisite blend of spiced tempering and the fresh, tangy flavor of raw mango. Often enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, this recipe combines aromatic spices and crunchy lentils, bringing together a medley of textures and flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Perfect for a quick meal or as a picnic dish, this dish pairs beautifully with cooling raitas or chutneys and makes a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

• Serves: 4

Cuisine

• Cuisine: South Indian
• Course: Lunch
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Instructions

To begin making Mavinakayi Chitranna, we first need to prepare the rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook it fresh, ensuring that the rice grains are fluffy and not too sticky. Spread the freshly cooked rice on a large plate and let it cool completely. This process helps in ensuring that the rice does not become clumpy when mixed with the other ingredients.

Once the rice is ready, we move on to the tempering. In a heavy-bottomed wok or kadai, heat gingelly oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil and wait for them to pop. Then, introduce the chana dal and black urad dal into the pan. Roast the dals for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown. This step is crucial for bringing out the nutty flavors of the lentils.

Next, add the curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), and slit green chilies. Sauté these ingredients for a few seconds, letting the aroma of the curry leaves and the heat from the chilies infuse the oil.

Now, add the grated raw mango to the pan, followed by turmeric powder. Sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes, or until the mango pieces soften slightly. The raw mango provides a delightful tangy contrast to the tempered spices, making this dish flavorful and refreshing.

Once the mango has softened, add the prepared cooked rice into the pan. Season with salt to taste, and stir the rice gently to combine all the ingredients. Continue to sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the spices and raw mango.

Finally, stir in the chopped coriander leaves, giving the dish a burst of freshness and color. Once everything is well combined, remove the pan from the heat.

Taste the Mavinakayi Chitranna and adjust the salt or add more raw mango if you prefer a more tart flavor. Transfer the rice to a serving bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Mavinakayi Chitranna is best served hot, along with a cooling side dish such as Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita or High-Protein Peanut Chutney. For added crunch, enjoy this dish with a crispy roasted papad. The tangy, spicy, and savory notes of the dish make it perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s also an ideal option for a picnic, as it tastes just as delicious at room temperature.

Tips

• If you don’t have fresh raw mango, you can substitute with mango powder (amchur) for a similar tangy flavor.
• You can adjust the level of spice in the dish by increasing or decreasing the number of green chilies used.
• Leftover rice works great in this recipe as it is less likely to become mushy, ensuring a better texture.
• For a vegan version, simply skip any dairy-based sides and enjoy it with plant-based accompaniments.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This Mavinakayi Chitranna Recipe is a quintessential South Indian delight that combines the best of seasonal mangoes with traditional spices, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy the flavors and share it with your loved ones!