Beyond Aamras: A Flavourful Journey Through Traditional Mango Dishes

Come summer, and India is seen bursting into the golden celebration of the most beloved fruit- the mango. From the bustling bazaars featuring street vendors with piling pyramids of ripe Alphonsos to grandmothers lovingly peeling your favourite Dusseries in courtyards, mango in India isn't just a fruit. An emotion, memory and ritual that is synonymous with the summer season in the country, mangos have time and again been the most iconic expression when it comes to Indian culinary traditions. Although the rich and pulpy aamras paired with hot puris is considered to be the legendary traditional mango recipe when it comes to mango devotion, the various other mango dishes in India stretch far beyond the silky delight of the aamras. 

With the diverse landscapes of India transforming the beloved fruit in an astonishing variety of dishes, that range from both sweet and savoury delights, raw or ripe, rustic or regal, mango definitely captures the centre stage. From the fiery mango pachadis of Tamil Nadu to the tangy kairi panhas of Maharashtra, Andhra’s piquant mango pickles and Bengal’s cooling aam pora shorbat, every region of the country has their own way of honoring the king of fruits. A fruit that effortlessly adapts to each local palate and culinary ethos, here are some of the top traditional mango recipes in India that continue to be perfected summer after summer. 

From lesser known to deeply cherished traditional mango recipes, here’s for you to decide which mango dish you want to try this season

1. Ambyaacha sasav

A Konkani mango dish that is a sweet and sour recipe prepared from ripe mangoes in mustard gravy, this mango recipe is primarily prepared from Raiwal mangoes that are largely available in the local markets of the region. A true feast for your taste buds, ambyaacha sasav is served warm alongside rice, and that is when you truly indulge in the flavours of the season. 

2. Mambazha pulissery 

The perfect mango dish that beautifully represents the harmonious blend of ripe mangoes, yoghurt and coconut, mambazha pulissery is mainly prepared in Kerala as a part of the popular Onam feast. Among the best mango dishes that boasts of a velvety and slightly sweet balance, with a touch of tempered touch of mustard seeds and curry leaves, this dish is mainly served during festive meals over steamed rice. 

3. Kairi panha 

A Maharashtrian raw mango cooler that tastes like summer in a glass, kairi panha is a staple in Maharashtrian households. Prepared from boiled raw mango pulp, jaggery and cardamom, this mango drink is sweet, tangy and mildly spiced. A cool mango beverage that is refreshing and restorative, kairi panha is not just a drink but more like a ritual of belief. 

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4. Aam panna 

Another popular mango drink that is largely cherished and savoured in the northern parts of the country, aam panna is among the best mango recipes that is perfect to beat the summer heat. Prepared from roasted mangoes, mint, black salt and cumin, this mango beverage boasts of smoky undertones and a tangy kick that is enough to awaken all your senses. A beverage that replenishes you amidst the summer heat, aam panna is absolutely delicious. 

5. Khatta meat 

A popular mango dish primarily prepared in the hills of north India, khatta meat basically stands for sour meat. With a variety of versions of this particular traditional mango recipe that is prepared in different ways throughout Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, khatta meat is prepared with mutton and fresh raw mangoes. 

6. Kairichi aamti

Another Maharashtrian mango delicacy that is prepared from mangoes and chana dal, kairi chi aamti, is a crunchy and tangy dish that signals the arrival of the summer season in most Maharashtrian households. Prepared from grated mango, coconut, green chillies and fresh coriander, this is a unique mango dish that is rich in texture, flavour packed and nutritious as well. 

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7. Kachche aam ki kheer 

Among the best mango dishes in India that dates back to 300 years ago, kachche aam ki kheer is a delicacy from the Rajasthani cuisine along with distinct flavours of Bengal. Also a part of the royal cuisine once, this dish portrays the blend of flavours and cuisines that originated when the cuisine of the Mughals met the Sheherwali cuisine of the Murshidabad Jains. A part of Bengal’s unique micro cuisine with the unusual touch of kairi kheer, this mango dish is a true delicacy. 

8. Mango sheera 

A mango dish in India largely prepared in the parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, mango sheera is a tropical twist on the classic semolina dessert. Prepared from ghee laden semolina infused with mango pulp, this mango recipe is rich, aromatic and portrays a sense of celebration. An integral part of festive thalis, which is also occasionally served as prasad in the temples during the summer season, mango sheera is an absolute delight.