Spicy Mango Chutney

With the monsoons setting in, the mango season is nearing its end. While mangoes aren’t my favourite fruit, I do have a special place for them because they remind me of childhood summers when I’d visit my grandma’s hometown with her. They had a huge house and the area surrounding the house was thick with mango trees. I couldn’t climb the mango tree (the most I could was a stunted guava tree), so I’d aim my hand catapult at the closest raw mango. Many attempts later, I’d get my much prized mango back home, slice it and sprinkle it with salt and red chilli powder. Simple pleasures of childhood.

A few days ago I had my last chance and bottling the summery mango in the form of chutney – an opportunity I just couldn’t miss! Mom got me chutney/pickle mangoes and I got down to business.

Mango Chutney

2.2 pounds / 1 kg firm green mangoes, pealed, skinned and grated*
1/2 kg sugar
5 cups / 1.2 litres water, more if you’d like it thinner
4-5 bayleaves
2-3 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp Cumin seeds
3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tbsp chilli powder (spicy kind, not the Hungarian paprika kind)
1 tsp turmeric
salt to taste

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan add the mango, sugar and water and let it sit for about 30 minutes and let it rest.
2. Post 30 minutes, let the mixture simmer on a low heat for about 30-40 minutes. Keep stirring. Add water if necessary to maintain consistency.
3. Now add the spices and salt and let it simmer away for the next 10-15 minutes.
4. Let it cool and transfer to a sterilised jar.
5. This can be refrigerated but is best had at room temperature.

* You can squeeze out the juice from the grated mangoes by either putting it in a muslin cloth and wringing it or simply squeezing it between your hands. I kept the juices in because I enjoy the tartness, but my mom usually gets rid of it so that she can have her batch to be less sour. Plus, lesser sugar is used.

The next time around (which won’t be until next year!), I think I’d tweak this a bit with some ginger. I can imagine the ginger bringing in warmth and adding depth to the flavour.

I love this chutney spread on roti and rolled up for a breakfast on the go. Sometimes I like to add some zing to the dal rice meal with this instead of a pickle. This would be great with grilled chicken, too. Some even like it with crackers and cheese. I’d say just keep the jar in sight and eat a little of the chutney with anything you’re eating and figure out for yourself what it tastes better with in your local cuisine.