Just last month I was dreaming of being in India during the mango season again. Well, what do you know – I made it! The month of June has been filled with wonderful mangoes – Malgova, Benisha, Badam, Mallika, and, thanks to the recent European Union ban on import of Indian mangoes, the markets have been filled with lovely Alphonso’s too.
With something less than their usual lofty price tag, there was a lot more to enjoy. But the real bonanza came in the form of an amazing haul of wild mangoes that came my way from the homes and estates of friends.
From what I can tell, kaad maangé trees seem to fruit abundantly in alternate years, and it appears that this was a fruitful year.
With a choice of mangoes from five different trees, each with a unique flavour, I’ve had my fill of kaad maangé curry for the season.
There was, however, a recipe that I had wanted to try and recreate – one that my grandmother used to make. It was usually prepared with brined wild mangoes (uppukuttuh maangé) in a spiced buttermilk base. My mother’s description of this dish of sweet-salty mango eaten with mounds of steaming white rice is mouthwatering!