Summer, the season of sunshine and warmth, offers a plethora of delightful experiences. However, in our opinion, nothing compares to the sheer bliss of indulging in the luscious and succulent mangoes - the undisputed ruler of fruits during this time of the year. With a wide range of delectable varieties such as Alphonso, Chaunsa, Langra, Dashehari, Kesar, and Totapuri, mango aficionados like us are spoilt for choice.
But our love for this heavenly fruit is not unique, as even the Bollywood star and global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas shares our obsession. In a recent Instagram post, Priyanka could be seen enquiring whether smuggling mangoes is considered legal, while showcasing her makeup bag, which contained not only her passport but also a ripe mango - a true symbol of her unspoken love for the fruit.
“Is smuggling a (mango emoji) legal? Asking for a friend,” the actress wrote in the caption of the post. Take a look:
And now that the mango was successfully smuggled, in the next post, we got a glimpse of Priyanka happily relishing a generous serving of diced mangoes while getting ready. Alongside, she wrote, “A moment for me and my mango.” Take a look:
In addition to savouring the fruit in its natural form, mangoes can be a delectable ingredient in various meals and treats, perfect for those scorching summer days. We've curated a list of popular recipes featuring mango as the star ingredient, so you can dive right in and start exploring the possibilities.
1. Mango Curry
Whipping up this dish is a breeze, thanks to its simple and timeless recipe that utilizes basic household ingredients. Key components include yogurt, mango, gram flour, and jaggery, all working in perfect harmony to create a tantalizing taste sensation. Whether paired with rice or Kerala-style appams, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds in no time.
2. Mango Rice
Don't let leftover rice go to waste - with this recipe, you can turn it into a mouth-watering dish in a jiffy. The secret ingredient? The zesty tartness of raw mangoes, infusing the dish with a unique and unforgettable flavor. For an added crunch, toss in some peanuts and green chillies, and voila! This dish becomes your go-to meal on a hectic day.
3. Amarkhand
Amarkhand, the luscious mango-infused version of shrikhand, a silky-smooth dessert made from strained yoghurt, is a beloved treat in North India. This delectable delicacy combines the juicy, fruity goodness of mangoes with the creamy, milky texture of hung curd, resulting in a mouth-watering sweet dish. The addition of cardamom lends a hint of spice, while just the right amount of sugar creates a delectable balance. What better way to round off a meal than with this delightful dessert?
4. Raw Mango Rasam
Raw mango's tangy goodness is a perfect match for the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, while the zesty kick of ginger adds a tantalizing touch to this flavour-packed trio. Together, they create a vibrant and colorful burst of taste that is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.
5. Aam Panna
Quench your thirst this summer with a delightful drink that not only cools your body but also delights your senses. Aam Panna, a fragrant and flavourful beverage, is the perfect healthy and natural substitute for fizzy drinks and packaged juices. This desi favourite not only refreshes you but also rejuvenates you, making it the ultimate thirst-quencher for those hot and humid days.