Mango, the king of fruits, is not just a fruit in India, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Celebrated across the country in numerous delightful dishes, mangoes add a unique flavor and richness that is unmatched. Today, we’re going to explore three such dishes – Aamras, Aamrakhand, and Pooris, based on the engaging video by Chef Ranveer Brar on his YouTube channel.
Aamras: The Sweet Mango Pulp 🥭
Aamras is a popular Indian dessert made from the pulp of ripe mangoes. The name ‘Aamras’ literally translates to ‘mango juice’. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is loved by people of all ages. Here’s how you can prepare it:
- Select Your Mangoes: The first step is to choose the right mangoes. Chef Ranveer suggests using a mix of mango varieties for a balanced flavor. Pro Tip: if you’re using 6 Kesar or Chaunsa mangoes, add 2 Alphonso mangoes to it. The sweetness and aroma of Alphonso mangoes complement the taste of other varieties.
- Prepare the Pulp: Peel the mangoes and dice them into small cubes. Blend the mango cubes with some sugar to make a smooth pulp. The pulp should be thick and creamy.
- Preserve the Aamras: Another Pro Tip, inspired by Gujarati’s trick to preserve Aamras for a long time is to submerge the mango seeds into the Aamras. This way, you can freeze it and enjoy it even after a year!
Aamrakhand: The Mango-infused Shrikhand 🍨
Shrikhand is a traditional Indian sweet dish made from strained yogurt. Aamrakhand is a variant of Shrikhand, where mango pulp is added to the yogurt. It’s a perfect summer dessert that combines the creaminess of yogurt with the sweetness of mangoes. Here’s how you can prepare it:
- Prepare the Hung Curd: Hang the curd in a muslin cloth overnight to drain all the liquid. The resulting product should be similar to cottage cheese.
- Mix the Ingredients: Add some sugar and prepared Aamras to the hung curd. Mix it thoroughly with your hand until it becomes fluffy. The key is to mix it well so that the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Add Saffron: Add some saffron strands for an enhanced flavor. However, avoid adding cardamom powder or nutmeg powder as they can overpower the delicate flavor of mango.
Pooris: The Perfect Accompaniment 🍽️
Pooris are deep-fried bread made from unleavened wheat flour. They are the perfect accompaniment to Aamras and Aamrakhand. Here’s how you can prepare them:
- Prepare the Dough: Make a soft dough from wheat flour. The dough should be kneaded well so that the pooris puff up nicely when fried.
- Roll and Fry: Roll out small, round pooris from the dough. Deep fry the pooris in hot oil until they puff up and turn golden brown. The oil should be hot enough so that the pooris puff up immediately as they are dropped in the oil.
Remember, if you don’t prefer deep-fried food, you can pair Aamras and Aamrakhand with chapatis as well!
Embrace the Diversity of Mangoes 🌍
India is a land of diverse mango varieties. Each state has its own favorite variety – Dasheri in Lucknow, Alphonso in Mumbai, Kesar in Surat, and Langra in Moradabad. Embrace this diversity and try out different types of mangoes this season!
And remember, as Chef Ranveer Brar says, “Every time is mango time!” So, go ahead and enjoy the delight of the mango season to its fullest!
Join the Community 🤝
For more mango recipes like mango phirni and various other mango dishes, check out Chef Ranveer Brar’s YouTube channel. Also, join our secret group on Facebook, Eatlo to share your own recipes, experiences, and love for mangoes!
Remember, the joy of cooking is in the process, not just the end result. So, have fun experimenting with these recipes and enjoy the delicious outcomes!