Indian sweet mango chutney is a delightful condiment that adds a burst of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours to any meal. Made with ripe mangoes and a blend of aromatic spices, this versatile chutney is a staple in Indian cuisine. In this recipe, we'll explore the essential ingredients for making authentic Indian mango chutney and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to create your own delicious batch at home.
Essential mango chutney ingredients that bring the flavour
- Ripe mangoes: One of the most crucial mango chutney ingredients is, ripe mangoes provide natural sweetness and a luscious texture to the condiment. Choose mangoes that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and free from bruises for the best results.
- Sugar: Sugar is essential for balancing the tartness of the mangoes and enhancing their natural sweetness. Use granulated sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference, to achieve the desired level of sweetness in the chutney.
- Vinegar: Vinegar adds acidity and tanginess to the chutney, helping to balance the flavours and prolong its shelf life. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar is commonly used in mango chutney recipes.
- Spices: A blend of aromatic spices is what gives mango chutney its distinct flavour profile. Common spices used in Indian mango chutney include mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, cloves, cinnamon, and red chilli flakes. Whole spices are typically toasted and ground to release their flavours before adding to the chutney.
- Ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add depth and complexity to mango chutney, with their pungent and aromatic flavours. Finely minced or grated ginger and garlic are sautéed in oil before adding to the chutney mixture.
- Raisins: Raisins are often added to mango chutney to provide a chewy texture and subtle sweetness. They plump up during cooking and add a delightful contrast to the soft mango chunks.
Ingredients for mango chutney, quantity wise
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes (or as per taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Salt to taste
Mango sweet chutney recipe step-by-step
Now that we've covered the mango chutney ingredients, let's dive into the simple steps for making a delicious mango sweet chutney recipe.
- In a saucepan, heat up a tablespoon of oil using medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and red chilli flakes. Heat the ingredients in the pan while stirring until the spices give off a pleasant aroma and the mustard seeds begin to crackle.
- Add minced ginger and garlic to the saucepan and cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Stir in diced mangoes, sugar, vinegar, raisins, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens and the mangoes are soft.
- Taste the chutney and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar or vinegar if desired.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves from the chutney and let it cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the mango chutney to sterilised jars and seal tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for as long as four weeks.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful batch of sweet mango chutney that's perfect for adding a burst of sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness to your favourite dishes. Whether served alongside Indian curries, grilled meats, or as a condiment for sandwiches and snacks, mango chutney is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why wait? Give our easy sweet mango chutney recipe a try and elevate your meals with the vibrant flavours of India.