"Pearly Aunty's Culinary Legacy: A Heartfelt Journey with Kerala Prawn Pickle"
In my kitchen, every food holds a
story and every dish is a labour of love. It all started with a tale from
my daughter, studying medicine miles away in Georgia. She shared
anecdotes of her friends carrying bottles of pickles from home, a taste
of India in a foreign land.
My children never had much of a palate for
pickles. So, when she told me about her friend's batch of prawn
pickle, I was intrigued. Despite watching my mother-in-law's sister,
Pearly aunty, craft pickles with finesse, I had reservations about
preserving non-vegetarian items. But my daughter's enthusiasm sparked
something within me, a desire to recreate those flavours in my own domain.
Kerala Sadhya Vibhavangal: Complete Onam & Vishu Feast on Banana Leaf
Onam & Vishu Sadhya Vibhavangal: The Complete Kerala Feast
ഓണസദ്യ വിഭവങ്ങൾ - Onam is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Kerala Sadhya feast? This grand vegetarian banana leaf meal, brimming with authentic flavours and cultural richness, is a must-have during festive celebrations like Onam and Vishu. But don't stop there! Whether it's a wedding, birthday, or just a special day, Sadhya is a culinary delight worth indulging in any time of the year.
Why Kerala is the Ultimate Destination for Christmas and New Year Celebrations
If there's one place I always dream of visiting during the festive season, it’s Kerala — especially during Christmas or Onam. The charm of Kerala's celebrations is undeniable, and it truly feels like "home" no matter where I am in the world. After all the travel restrictions and the pandemic, I’ve found myself missing India more than ever. As my husband often says, “The true spirit of Christmas can only be felt once you step into God’s Own Country.”
MANGO PICKLE - KERALA KADUMANGA ACHAR
"Delight Your Senses with Kadu Manga Achar: The Ultimate Tangy Mango Pickle for Your Onam Sadhya"
Pickles are cooked in different styles, and mostly the taste and flavours of pickles reflect the region of its origin. This Mango Pickle is prepared with unripe green mangoes, which are cut into bite-sized cubes and prepared along with garlic, ginger and green chillies. Kadumanga Achar is a great reminiscent of Kerala Sadhya, most of the sadhya is incomplete without this Kerala Kadumanga Achar made with fresh raw mangoes. And this ultimate local favourite luckily fills its space as my first Pickle Recipe in my blog. I am an ardent fan of Pickles and I love to try a variety of Pickles, but the speciality is that this Kadu Manga Achar happens to be my favourite pickle next to Andhra Avakkai Pickle.
Let's discover the flavours of Kerala with this homemade Kadu Manga Achar recipe. This tangy mango pickle, bursting with aromatic spices, is the perfect accompaniment to elevate your Onam Sadhya. Let's learn how to make this delightful pickle and savour the authentic taste of Kerala's traditional cuisine.
Indulge in the authentic flavours of Kerala with this exquisite recipe for Kadu Manga Achar, which is a staple of the traditional Onam Sadhya. This delectable pickle is a delightful burst of flavours that complements the diverse dishes on your festive spread, creating a truly irresistible condiment that will leave you craving for more.
Don't just confine this pickle just for a Sadhya. Try the ever, heavenly combination of curd rice and pickle... So simple - A Dish, but So divine is its taste...
Cuisine - Indian (Kerala, South India) Recipe Type - Pickle Spice Level - High Difficulty - Easy Yields - 2 - 21/2 Cups Author - SM
Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes Cooking Time - 5 - 10 Minutes Maturing Time - Few Weeks
"The Perfect Pickle: Kadu Manga Achar - A Burst of Flavour from God's Own Country!"
INGREDIENTS:
To mix:
Diced Raw Mangoes - 4 Big Ones
Salt - 3 Teaspoons
For Kadumanga Achar:
Gingelly Oil - 1/4 - 1/2 Cup
Mustard seeds - 2 Teaspoons
Curry Leaves - 5 Sprigs
Chopped Garlic - 1 Big Pod
Ginger - 1" Piece
Green Chillies - 10 Nos.
Turmeric powder - 1 Teaspoon
Red Chilli powder - 5 Tablespoons
Asafoetida - 1/2 Teaspoon
Sugar - a pinch
Vinegar - 2 Tablespoons (optional)
Salt - To Taste
To Dry Roast & Powder:
Fenugreek seeds - 1 Teaspoon
METHOD :
Dice the mangoes into small pieces and mix them with 3 teaspoons of salt until well combined. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavours to develop.
In a dry pan, gently roast the fenugreek seeds on a low flame until they start spluttering. Grind the roasted seeds to a fine powder.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering, add chopped green chillies, ginger, curry leaves, and garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes.
In a separate bowl, prepare a thick paste by combining turmeric powder, red chilli powder, fenugreek powder, and ½ cup water.
Add the prepared paste to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Then, add asafoetida, vinegar, and sugar. Mix everything well.
Add the cut mango pieces along with the brine and ensure they are thoroughly coated. Adjust the salt according to your taste preference.
Allow the Kadumanga Achar to cool completely before transferring it to sterilized glass bottles. It can also be stored in the refrigerator.
Adjust the amount of salt and chilli powder based on your taste preference.
If the pickle appears dry, you can pour some extra oil to moisten it.
The more oil you use, the longer the pickle can be stored.
Feel free to add more garlic to the pickle if desired.
Dry roasting the fenugreek seeds not only adds flavour but also helps in preserving the pickle.
Sugar can be added for a slight touch of sweetness and to balance the sourness, but it's optional.
Avoid using steel, aluminium, or copper containers as they can react with the acidic nature of the pickle. Instead, use clean and dry porcelain, glass, or ceramic jars.
Always use clean and dry spoons, preferably wooden spoons, to avoid moisture and fungal growth.
Allow the pickle to cool completely before storing it in sterilized bottles.
It's recommended to refrigerate the pickle, which can stay good even with less oil and preservatives.
If you want to add extra oil, heat sesame oil, cool it, and then pour it over the pickle.
When stored properly, the pickle can last for about a year or longer
A complete Sadhya served in a Banana Leaf
How to Serve Onam Sadhya on a Banana Leaf: The Complete Serving Order in the most Traditional Way
Onam Sadhya serving order — There's a right way to lay a Banana Leaf and an Onasadhya in it. Every Pickle, Pappadam, Side Dish, Rice, Curry, and Payasam has its own spot and its own order, passed down in my house from my Achan's own particular hands and guidance. This guide walks you through exactly how a Sadhya is served, left to right, dish by dish, the same tradition followed for Vishu too & for every Sadhya as a matter of fact. Now you never have to wonder where each Sadhya Vattom (dish) should be placed.
Kerala Kanji Recipe: Authentic Rice Porridge with Payar, Chammanthi & Achar (3 Easy Methods)
Kerala Kanji, the soul-soothing rice porridge known as കഞ്ഞി in Malayalam and கஞ்சி in Tamil, is Kerala's answer to comfort food. Revered in Ayurveda as a healing meal, it's traditionally served with Cheru Payar Thoran, Thenga Chammanthi, Kadumanga Achar and crisp Pappadam. Whether you're nursing a cold, craving nostalgia, or simply want a light, gut-friendly meal, this bowl delivers. Below are three foolproof methods, from Pressure Cooker to Instant Pot, plus every trick to get it right.
Faith & Tradition: Kerala Christian Lent Recipes to Honour the Season
Lent Food of Kerala Christians
Lent is the six-week period leading up to Easter, starting on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Easter Sunday. While Lent is a 40-day observance, there are technically 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. This period holds immense significance for Christians worldwide, particularly within Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. Unlike Advent, which is a season of joy and anticipation, Lent is a time of solemn observance, fasting, and spiritual preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
LEMON PICKLE/NARANGA ACHAR
Pickles are said to be 'HISTORY IN A JAR', and when it comes to Lemon Pickle it is one of the widely pickled Fruit/Vegetable around the world. Lemon with its tangy and refreshing nature rejuvenates and freshen up the dish it is added into, same goes with a Lemon Pickle. There are many versions and methods of preparing Lemon Pickle. When we say, Pickle, it is commonly meant to be preserved in Salted Water/Brine and sometimes in Vinegar.
When we say Pickles, In India it is an absolute SPICY TREAT, laced with Oil - Sesame Oil/Mustard Oil. South Indian Pickles are prepared with Sesame Oil and you can find a note of Asafoetida in few versions. Most pickles are prepared with tangy fruit/vegetable and sometimes some vegetables/fruits are disguised to feel tangy with Vinegar/Lemon Juice/Citric Acid.
This Lemon Pickle Recipe is a traditional old style Kerala Naranga Achar where Lemons are preserved in brine and then pickled. Citrusy Lemons are simply transformed into a spicy & tangy treat with few Spices. This simple Lemon Pickle/Naranga Achar can convert your simple meal into a devouring delicacy, a single slice of Lemon pickle can help you gobble up a big bowl of Rice within no time.
Adjust the amount of Salt and Chilli powder as per your taste preference.
As the Lemons are preserved in brine, they would already be salty.
Pour some extra oil if you feel the Lemon Pickle/Naranga Achar is dry.
More oil, more storage period.
Dry roasting the fenugreek seeds helps to preserve the pickle as well as gives a nice flavour.
Jaggery gives a slight sweetness to the pickle and also balances the sourness. (adding it is truly optional).
Avoid using steel/aluminium/copper containers for storing the pickles, as they tend to react with the acidic nature of salt and the Lemon.
Store them in clean and dry Porcelain/Glass/Ceramic Jars.
Always use clean & dry spoons(preferably wooden spoons) for the pickle.
Wet Jars/spoons can spoil the pickles as the moisture in them helps in the growth of Fungus.
If you feel that extra oil should be added, once the pickle is made, Heat the Sesame Oil, cool it and then pour it over the pickle.
Allow it to cool completely before storing it into sterilized bottles.
Refrigerate the pickle. It can stay good even with less oil and preservatives.
If stored properly, the pickle can last for a year or so.
Avalose Podi Recipe – Classic Kerala Palaharam with Tea & Avalose Unda
Avalose Podi (അവലോസ് പൊടി) | Roasted Rice Coconut Powder – A Classic Kerala Nadan Palaharam
Avalose Podi (അവലോസ് പൊടി)isn’t just a snack – it’s a memory, roasted into every Malayalee kitchen. Long before instant mixes and bakery packets, this humble, soulful blend of roasted rice and coconut—gently spiced with cumin and cardamom—was made with love and shared with joy. Avalose Podi has comforted generations during teatime. It’s a shining example of how minimal, native ingredients can come together to create something deeply nostalgic and satisfying.
Also known as Avalos Podi or Avilose Podi, this traditional Kerala snack was lovingly stirred in bronze urulis and served with bananas and steaming Kattan Chaya (Black Tea). From Christmas platters to Vayaru Kaanal packages, Avalose Podi has long held a sacred place in Kerala Christian homes—and beyond. If you're looking to recreate a soul-warming, traditional palaharam at home, this Avalose Podi recipe is your perfect guide.
Don’t stop here — check out Avalose Unda – Sweet Balls of Tradition and roll your way into another story-rich recipe.
Kerala Banana Chips Recipe (Ethakka Upperi) – Crispy Nadan Kaya Varuthathu for Onam Sadhya
Kerala Banana Chips, known as Ethakka Upperi or Kaya Varuthathu, are the crispy, golden fried plantain chips that anchor every authentic Onam Sadhya. This homemade banana chips recipe uses raw Nendhra bananas, pure coconut oil, and the traditional Nadan trick of turmeric-salt water poured straight into the hot oil for even seasoning and that signature golden colour. No shortcuts, no shop-bought packets, just crispy, salty, coconut-fried banana chips the way Kerala kitchens have always made them.
Instant Naranga Achar/Instant Lime Pickle is yet another quick & easy Pickle Recipe and when it comes to Sadhya, such instant pickles can easily be prepared beforehand and served. This Lime Pickle is an instant version where I have steam cooked the Limes until soft and tender. In this version, if perfectly cooked you can serve the Pickle on the same day. If the Lime variety tends to be bitter, this instant version of Naranga Achar takes just 4-5 days to get matured perfectly. So If you are planning ahead for a Sadhya, this Achar comes in handy. This Pickle is also commonly termed as Sadhya Naranga Achar.
Normally Lime Pickle is prepared with preserved Lime/Lemons in brine. I have already posted a recipe of Naranga Achar/Lemon Pickle before with preserved Limes. But this is a quick & easy method of preparing the same Achar when you are in literal need to serve it instantly. And when it comes to Sadhya there are few items which can be easily prepared beforehand. Kadu Manga Achar, Vadugapuli Naranga Achar and this Instant Naranga Achar can quickly be incorporated and stored for the purpose.
This Lemon Pickle Recipe is also prepared in the traditional style, with the only difference that the Limes are steamed cooked for a quick fix. Citrusy Lemons are simply transformed into a spicy & tangy treat with few Spices. This simple Instant Lime Pickle/Naranga Achar can convert your simple meal into a devouring delicacy, a single slice of Lime pickle can help you gobble up a big bowl of Rice, particularly Curd Rice within no time.
Adjust the amount of Salt and Chilli powder as per your taste preference.
Pour some extra oil if you feel the Instant Lime Pickle/ Instant Naranga Achar is dry.
More oil, more storage period.
Dry roasting the fenugreek seeds helps to preserve the pickle as well as gives a nice flavour.
Jaggery gives a slight sweetness to the pickle and also balances the sourness. (adding it is truly optional).
Can serve this Instant Lime Pickle/ Instant Naranga Achar immediately.
Avoid using steel/aluminium/copper containers for storing the pickles, as they tend to react with the acidic nature of salt and the Lime.
Store them in clean and dry Porcelain/Glass/Ceramic Jars.
Always use clean & dry spoons(preferably wooden spoons) for the pickle.
Wet Jars/spoons can spoil the pickles as the moisture in them helps in the growth of Fungus.
If you feel that extra oil should be added, once the pickle is made, Heat the Sesame Oil, cool it and then pour it over the pickle.
Allow it to cool completely before storing it into sterilized bottles.
Refrigerate the Instant Lime Pickle/ Instant Naranga Achar. It can stay good even with less oil and preservatives.
If stored properly, the pickle can last for a year or so.
RAW MANGO THOKKU - MANGAI THOKKU
If there is a knot tied in heaven, then it is truly the combination of Curd Rice and Pickle. And if it is a pickle like Raw Mango Thokku, then it takes the relationship to the next level. When my neighbour's Mango tree gets loaded with Mangoes, my experiments with Raw Mangoes becomes endless. I fill my pantry with fresh batches of Mango Pickles like Avakkai, Kadu Manga Achar, Cut Mango PIckle, Instant Mango Pickle, Mangai Thokku and even at times I make Sweet Mango Pickle.
This time I made three different Pickles in a day -
I love Ruchi Urugai's Mango Pickle and used to buy the normal Cut Mango Pickle and Avakkai Urugai frequently. Those were the days I used to buy Pickles and thought Pickle making was a tedious & meticulous job. I have never had an impression with Manga Thokku until I wrongly picked a bottle of Ruchi Urugai with this type of Pickle. Since then I am hooked up with Mango Thokku. Time has changed into such a scenario that I least remember when I bought a bottle of Pickle. I always have a ready stock of different types of pickle in my refrigerator. This Mango Thokku recipe is from my vintage cookbook.
Mango Thokku is a type of Pickle prepared with grated Raw Mangoes and the rest of the process remains the same as a normal Pickle recipe. It is spicy, appetizing and sure to tantalize your taste buds. Combine it up with Curd Rice for an utter delicacy.
Traditional and Nutritious Pazhangkanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram
Uppu Karuvadu, Oora Vacha Soru—a lyric from a popular Tamil movie song—refers to the traditional dish of soaked and fermented leftover rice known as Pazhankanji, Pazhaya Sadham, or Neeragaram. This simple yet nutritious dish is a staple in South Indian cuisine, celebrated for its nutritional benefits, health-boosting properties, and refreshing taste.
The Nutritional Power of Fermented Rice
Pazhankanji is made by soaking cooked rice in water overnight, allowing it to ferment mildly. This fermentation process not only enhances the flavour and taste, but also significantly boosts the nutritional value. Adding thick curd or yogurt and a pinch of salt further enriches the dish, making it a wholesome breakfast option. A sprinkle of crushed shallots and bird's eye chillies (Kanthari Mulagu) adds seasonal flavours and additional health benefits.
From Peasants to Royals: The Journey of Pazhankanji
Originally created to prevent food wastage in the absence of refrigeration, Pazhankanji became a vital breakfast for hard-working peasants. It provided sustained energy and kept them full until the next meal. However, this humble dish soon transcended social boundaries, captivating the taste buds of both royals and common folk alike. Revered as 'Amrut' (nectar) by the great Malayalam poet Kunjan Nambiar, Pazhankanji is cherished for its cooling properties and refreshing nature.
The Traditional Preparation of Neeragaram
To prepare Pazhankanji, soak leftover rice in ample water in an earthen pot overnight. The next morning, add curd, crushed shallots, bird's eye chillies, a small piece of ginger, and a few curry leaves. Gently mash the ingredients with a wooden ladle or your hands to create a cool, refreshing, and nutritious breakfast packed with health benefits.
Health Benefits of Pazhankanji
The cooling nature of Pazhankanji soothes the body and aids digestion. I have been making this dish for over 18 years, initially for my husband to help alleviate the symptoms of haemorrhoids. Many have suggested Pazhankanji as an effective home remedy for this condition. Ingredients like shallots and bird's eye chillies heal internal wounds, ginger aids digestion, and curry leaves help reduce high blood pressure. Today, I prepare this dish at least 3–4 times a week, and even my husband's Malay colleagues have embraced it.
A Memorable Scene from Kalipattam
I can never forget the dialogue delivered by actor Mohanlal in the Malayalam movie 'Kalipattam'. He describes the perfect preparation: "Take the Rose Chambavu Rice in a wide porcelain bowl, pour some thick curd into it. Mash it up... mash it up... Add some Pazhuratha Manga Curry cooked with slit green chillies (ripe mango curry), mix it, and gobble it up... You can feel your system cooling down. It’s heavenly indeed." He concludes with, "ithu muzhuvanum Proteinna" (It's filled with protein). Every time I watch the movie, his description makes me crave this delicious Pazhankanji.
Discover more Kanji (Congee) Recipes for a nutritious and stomach-soothing experience. Click here...
Cuisine - Kerala, South India
Spice Level - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2
Author - SM
Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
Soaking Time - 7–10 Hours
How to Make Neeragaram - Traditional Pazhaya Sadham (Pazhankanji)
Neeragaram, also known as Pazhaya Sadham or Pazhankanji, is a classic South Indian fermented rice dish made from leftover rice. This ancient Kerala breakfast is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients and health benefits. Follow this simple recipe to prepare this traditional delicacy.
Ingredients
For Pazhangkanji/Neeragaram:
Left-over Cooked Rice: 1/2 cup Water (at room temperature): 1-1 1/2 cups Yoghurt: 1 cup Shallots: 4-5 nos. Bird’s-eye Chillies (Kanthari Mulagu): 2 nos. Ginger: A small piece Curry Leaves: A few Salt: To taste
Method
Preparing the Base
In a wide bowl, preferably an earthen pot, add the leftover cooked rice.
Pour in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water at room temperature.
Fermentation
Cover the pot and leave it aside overnight.
This allows the rice to ferment, transforming it into a nutritious and flavourful dish.
Adding Yogurt
The next morning, add a cup of thick yogurt/curd to the rice and water mixture.
This could be done the next day morning, if you prefer a fresh tasting neeragaram.
Some prefer to add curd while soaking the rice in water. This step aids in the fermentation process, enhancing the dish's flavour and nutritional value.
Seasoning
Sprinkle salt to taste.
Add finely chopped or slightly crushed shallots, bird’s-eye chillies, ginger, and curry leaves.
Serving
The next morning, mash the ingredients with a wooden ladle or your hands.
This ensures all the flavours meld together perfectly.
Serving Suggestions:
Pazhankanji
pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments such as pickles,
chammanthi (coconut chutney), puzhukku (mashed vegetables), steamed
tapioca, fish curry (preferably a day old), mango curry, or any thoran
(stir-fried vegetables). For dried fish enthusiasts, a side of dry fish
curry or fry elevates the dish to another level. You can also enjoy it
plain, relishing the cooling sensation as it moves through your
digestive system.
Supports Lactation: Beneficial for lactating mothers.
*Disclaimer
Please remember, these treatment options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replace the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for informational purposes only.
HOW TO PRESERVE RAW MANGOES
April marks the arrival of summer in India. With sweltering heat comes along the seasonal local produces like Mangoes & Jack fruit. The womenfolk utilize the heat to preserve the produces, get ready with pickling, drying etc., Summer in India has become so synonymous to these routines in my mind. A default trip to our hometown in Kerala, where the backyard is lined up with number and number of Mango, Jackfruit, Cashew and Palm Trees. All catering loads of memories wafting with smells and anecdotes.
Loitering around the backyard (or should I say it as a farm, I am not sure) with my grandfather, pickling up Raw and Ripe Mangoes, warnings not to touch the Cashew fruit which can cause blisters with its caustic nature and its exotic aroma lingering throughout the backyard, dunking into a huge bunch of cool Palm fruit or the ice apple, which my grandfather would gently slice off the tops and would ask us to eat it up with an instantly made scoop(spoon) out of the sliced top. And evening snacks would always be a freshly cut Jack fruit or steamed Tapiocas. All these memories flock into my mind when I think of the brief Summer Vacations we have indulged in our childhood days.
Then comes the regional New Year - Vishu or Tamil Puthandu during this Season. I have always felt that a Vishu Sadhya would always be loaded with dishes made out of Mangoes or Jackfruit and Vegetables like Cucumber. So, this year marking the beginning of Summer and with upcoming Vishu, I have planned to post a few recipes with Chakka, Manga and Vellirikka - so synonymous and unique to the Season.
HOW TO PRESERVE RAW MANGOES
Beginning with Raw Mangoes in Brine or simply the Uppilitta Manga. Most of the South Indian households would have huge jars(Bharani) of Uppilitta Manga. Which would readily be converted into pickles later when no mangoes are available or used in curries or condiments. Uppilitta Manga or the Brined Mangoes are used to make Uppu Manga Chalichathu which is a wonderful condiment - spicy, tangy and flavour filled which can make you eat a whole pot of Rice.
Here I have preserved slices of Mangoes in brine, like how my Mom makes. Even Whole Raw Mangoes can be preserved in the same manner. I would write up a post for instant Uppu Manga recipe in future, and it is how my MIL makes Uppu Manga by pressure/steam cooking it. I still need to foolproof the storage period of preserving Mangoes in that manner. Once I perfect it, you can see the method of making Instant Uppu Manga.Uppilitta manga in my blog.
HOW TO PRESERVE RAW MANGOES
This year I got fresh mangoes from my husband's factory, and he is bringing batches over batches of raw mangoes that I have converted it into a few types of Pickles and have also preserved a few in brine. BRINE is basically a salt solution. Also, pickling in brine is free from
any pathogenic bacteria. Pickling was one method to ensure year-long
availability of seasonal products.
Usually, tender mangoes or Kanni Manga are preserved in brine. But here I have preserved slices of Raw Mangoes in salt solution, which could be converted into pickles or used in curries or condiments. Fresh Raw Mangoes of good quality, unspoiled ones without blemishes can be used for the purpose. Utter care should be taken before pickling these mangoes.
Thoroughly sterilize and dry the utensils or jars. Stem, wash and dry
the mangoes before cutting them into slices and adding them to the brine.
Cuisine - Indian
Recipe Type - Pickling
Difficulty - Easy
Yields - 2- 21/2 Cups
Author - SM
Preparation Time -
Maturing Time - Few Weeks
HOW TO PRESERVE RAW MANGOES - RAW MANGO SLICES IN BRINE
HOW TO PRESERVE RAW MANGOES
INGREDIENTS:
Raw Mangoes - 2-3 Cups
Salt - 1/2 Cup
Warm Water - 1/4 Cup
METHOD:
Boil the water and allow it to cool.
Clean & Wash the Mangoes and allow them to dry on a clean kitchen towel.
Wipe them off with a clean cloth to get rid of any extra wetness.
Then Cut the Mangoes into slices.
Take a clean and dry Bottle or Bharani (Porcelain Jar).
Put some salt at the bottom of the Jar.
Put few Mango slices over it.
Again, put some salt and top it up with Mango slices.
Follow the suit until all the mangoes are salted.
Close the lid of the jar and mix well, until the mangoes are well coated with salt.
Pour warm water into the jar and mix well.
Tightly close the jar and keep it aside in a dry & dark place for a few weeks.
Stir the mangoes every two days, so that the essence of mangoes are well infused into the brine.
Initially, the mango slices would float over the brine, but gradually they absorb the brine and double their size.
Sliced Raw Mangoes will be ready within a few weeks time.
These can be stored in a dry and dark place.
In humid climates, it is advisable to keep them refrigerated to avoid spoilage.
HOW TO PRESERVE RAW MANGOES
NOTES:
Can preserve tender Mangoes(Kanni Manga/Kadu Mangai) in the same manner.
Even whole raw Mangoes can be preserved in brine using the same method. But the pickling time would be about 2-3 months or more, depending on the size of the raw mangoes used for preserving.
This
Brine preserved Tender Mangoes or Cut Mangoes make tasty and unique,
briny & spiced pickles, which taste awesome with curd rice.
Avoid using steel/aluminium/copper container for preserving the
mangoes, as they tend to react with the acidic nature of salt and
mangoes.
A suitable method is to store them in clean and dry sterilized Glass/Ceramic/Porcelain Jars.
Always use clean & dry spoons while handling these preserved mangoes.
Wet jars/spoon can spoil the pickle as the moisture in them helps in the growth of Fungus and that would spoil the mangoes.
If stored properly, these preserved mangoes can last for a year or so.
Can use these preserved mangoes to prepare Uppu Manga Chalichathu,
Manga Chammanthi, Kannimanga Achar, Mango Pickles or in Curries. (Just
use the Mangoes and adjust the amount of salt in the recipe).
MAMBAZHA PULISSERY
If Onam reminds of Pookaalam(Season of Flowers) - Athapookalam, then sure Vishu brings the memories of Mambazhakaalam(Season of Mangoes) and Venal Kaalam(Summer). Vishu brings along the memories of Vishu Kani, Kani Konna Poo, Yellow coloured Vellarikka, Vishu Kanji, Kai Neettam, Mangoes, Jack fruits & Summer vacations. All in the hues of Yellow, so synonymous with Summer!
The memories of summer vacations - never-ending free time, my walk to the nearby library, loads of books to kill the time, all turn pages along with the thought of VISHU in my mind. My best ever time pass even to date is reading books, that not a day goes by without doing that chore. I am still called a Book Worm by my husband. Those were the days I got access to innumerable Malayalam Classics and Novels from CMS Library(Coimbatore Malayali Samajam). Beautiful old days...
Summer, though hot and arid, it brings along tasty seasonal fruits. Jackfruit/ Mangoes comes into life with the arrival of Summer in India, bringing along with it, the golden hues of sunshine, the intoxicating aroma of these fruits wafts around hand in hand with the unwelcoming flies fluttering about. When the Season strikes, the markets are flooded with loads of Jack Fruits and variety of Mangoes from the length and breadth of the country.
Recipes with Mangoes are frequented in this Season, Raw and Ripe Mangoes are equally used in variant forms right from pickles to desserts. Mambazha Pulissery, as the name calls, is a wonderful Curry prepared with Ripe Mangoes, Coconut paste and Yogurt/Curd. This Curry is a combination of Sweet, Sour and Spicy nature. It is served as one of the Curries in a Sadhya when Mangoes are in season, or just prepare it as curry for your Lunch, serve it with steamed rice or Kerala Matta Rice and Veggies for a complete lunch with a combination of tastes and flavours.
I have used a big variety of Ripe Mango in the recipe, so I have cut the Mango into small chunks.
If you are using a small variety of Ripe Mangoes like Chankdrakaaran/Gomanga just peel the skin and cook the whole fruit along with the seed for Mambazha Pulissery.
Use fresh Yoghurt/Curd (Not sour) for the recipe.
Instead of adding powdered Fenugreek Seeds, can also splutter fenugreek seeds along with Mustard seeds while tempering.
Adjust the number of spices to suit your taste preference.
Some Mangoes tend to be too sweet and some can be a mixture of sweet and sour. So adjust the amount of Jaggery to suit your taste preference.
Vadugapuli Naranga or Wild Lemon or Curry Naranga looks more or less like a Large Lemon, but the taste and is more sour and juicy with a note of bitterness. The texture is tougher than a normal lemon. This Pickle is an instant one prepared for Sadhyas (Banquets). It tastes best when fresh. Wild Lemon is known for its digestive properties and also cleanses the gut.
Sadhya is usually served with a variety of local delicacies. The basic idea behind serving the dishes is balancing the tastes and flavours, along with treating your taste buds and soothing your stomach. The list of dishes would comprise of almost all tastes - sweet, sour, salty, spicy, umami and bitterness. Vadugapuli Naranga with its sour and bitter notes get along with other dishes balancing and enhancing the flavours. It is served at the leftmost corner next to salt followed by Kadumanga Achar and Inji Curry in the banana leaf in a Sadhya.
There was a Vadugapuli Naranga Tree in my grandmother's place and I have thought who is going to use this Big Lemon. But during Onam/Vishu or any wedding ceremony, this Wild Lemon comes into limelight. Even people from the neighbourhood come asking for this Naranga. During my childhood days, I used to totally avoid this pickle from my banana leaf during Sadhyas.
Above all my mother brings them back home and prepare this Pickle and insists us to have them, saying it is good for our digestion. In one such occasion, she packed this pickle in my lunch box to school. Until today my lunch is incomplete without a smidgen of pickle, but seeing this pickle I was sceptical as I know it would taste bitter, but no choice, the taste and flavour had got mixed up in the curd rice that I had to devour it. But I was totally taken aback by the unique lemony fragrance of this Naranga totally capturing my senses.
But only recently I got a chance to prepare and taste this pickle. My MIL's friend here in Malaysia have a farm and they had sent us a few batches of these Wild Lemons. Even my MIL's sister was here this time, so both of them planned to prepare a pickle out of it.
If you are storing the pickle for a long time, it can be prepared by peeling of the skin when it is raw or the whole lemon can be sauteed in oil for few minutes until it changes its colour, and then the skin can be peeled off. Sauteing the lemon slightly cooks the fleshy part inside and also it will reduce the bitterness of the Lemon.
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Essence of Life - Food is all about daily cooking with a simple sense of taste and health. It is all about food. Not a day goes by without eating for most of us, so what we eat matters on the whole. Food in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one's existence, and gives strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Above all ingredients, the most vital one in my kitchen is love.