A succulent, sweet, tropically rich fruit, mangoes may be one of the most popular fruits on Earth. From refreshing fruit salads to velvety smoothies and decadent desserts, mangoes have made their way into a range of dishes. But have you ever had mango achar? A ubiquitous item in South Asian kitchens, mango achar (or pickle) is something that you would be glad up as an accompaniment with every meal. This version of the dish is Sweet Mango Achar, which has its sweet, tangy & spicy notes so well balanced that it becomes an all-accompanying dish / snack. Best of all? It’s ready to eat, and with a few easy steps, you can craft your very own jar of this delicious spread.
What Is Sweet Mango Achar?
Achar is a kind of pickle or condiment popular in South Asian cuisine, especially in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Mango achar, which is easily the most popular form of pickle, is made by coating raw mango with a blend of spices, sugar and oil and left to marinate, giving you a tangy, sweet and sometimes spicy accompaniment.
The varieties of mango achar are endless, sour and spicy, milder and sweeter—but my favourite is the Dijon mustard of mango achar, the sweet one, a crowd-pleaser. The sweet-tartness of raw mangoes is tempered with sugar for a syrupy sweetness that offsets the heat from spices like mustard seeds and red chili powder. Once made, sweet mango Achar is ready to eat, needing only a short stand to reach full flavour.
Sweet Mango Pickle Ingredients
To prepare your own sweet mango Achar at home, you need a few fairly simple ingredients, most of which can be found in any well-stocked grocery or spice shop. Here’s what you’ll need:
Raw Mangoes You’ll want them firm and unripe, they will hold their shape as they go through the pickling process. Sugar is the key ingredient to impart sweetness, and the amount can be adjusted depending on your taste preference. Salt helps to pull out moisture from the mangoes and acts as a preservative. Mustard Oil A spicy, aromatic oil that is typically used for pickling. It improves the taste and flavour of the achar. Spices The main spices you’ll use for this achar are Mustard seeds Enough heat and tartness. Fennel seeds These add a barely-there, sweet and fragrant flavour. Cumin seeds Smoky and earthy, cumin lends depth. Nigella seeds (kalonji). These. diminutive seeds add a distinctive, slightly bitter flavour that helps cut the sweetness. Ground turmeric Turmeric adds colour and an earthy flavour to the blend. Optional, but it gives a gentle heat and bright colour to the achar Red chili powder
Why You Will Love Sweet Mango Achar
Ready to Eat: One of the fantastic parts about sweet mango Achar is that it’s ready to eat in just a few days. There’s no waiting around for days and days like some other pickles, so it’s a great thing to try when you want something with flavour now.
Flawless Flavour Harmony: The raw mangoes, sugar, salt and spices meld into a complex flavour profile that hits all the right notes: sweet, tangy and a little bit spicy. It’s the ideal partner for any meal.
Universal: Sweet mango Achar goes beautifully with diverse dishes. Pair it with rice, dal, curries or flatbreads like roti or paratha. It’s also terrific as a side for grilled meats or sandwiches or even as a snack on its own.
Long Shelf Life: When kept in an airtight jar, sweet mango Achar can last for months in the refrigerator. Its flavours develop the longer it sits, treating you to an ever-evolving taste experience
This sweet mango Pickle is an easy, very delicious pickle that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s also easy to throw together, making it a gem for any kitchen, and perfect for year-round enjoyment, especially when mangoes are in season. Whether you love deli pickles or consider yourself an adventurous snacker, sweet mango Achar is bound to be one of your new household favourites. It’s the ultimate ready-to-eat snack that oozes flavour, convenience and some nostalgia.