Alphonso Chicken Tikka? Follow these easy recipes to make savoury mango-based dishes

Indian chefs remind that mangoes aren`t limited to sweet dishes but can also be used in savoury dishes. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement

The summer season brings with it the mango season. It is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the fruit not only by itself, but also in a wide variety of sweet and savoury dishes. With India boasting of so many different varieties, there are many ways they are used across cuisines that are absolutely delicious. In fact, Maharashtra itself boasts of Alphonso, Pairi and Rajapuri to name a few among others.

When you say mangoes, people usually imagine sweet dishes but there is so much more that you can explore with the fruit. While raw and ripe mango pickles are a favourite in every Indian home, Indian chefs say you can make many other different kinds of dishes that use its sweetness to balance spicy and sour flavours.

While a mango curry is popular across regions, Indian chefs say you can explore savoury mango dishes this season. To start with, they have suggested a variation of the dish, along with others that also explore global cuisines. Even as they share the recipes, the Indian chefs remind that these savoury mango recipes don't need to be complicated and can be something as simple as including mangoes in your salad.

Mango Miso Taco
At Tres Amigos in Ahmedabad, chef Suman Ahuja wants you to give a seasonal twist to classic Mexican food by making the Mango Miso Taco. She says, "The mango-based dish is a vibrant and refreshing dish where a taco is topped with sweet marinated tofu, tangy raw mango slaw, and cooling sour cream - with the rich umami of mango miso sauce."

Ingredients:
Soft Shell Tortilla (4 inches) or hard shell 1 no
Mango miso sauce 22 gm
Shredded lettuce 10 gm
Sliced jalapeños 3 gm
Tofu, marinated in Mango Miso Sauce 20 gm
Sour cream 5 gm
Raw mango slaw 20 gm
Sesame, coriander, bread crumble mix 2 gm
Microgreens, for garnish - optional
Lemon wedge for serving

Assembly instructions:
1. Base layer: Warm the soft-shell tortilla on a flat pan or grill just until pliable. Place on the serving plate.
2. Sauce base: Generously spread Mango Miso Sauce all over the surface of the tortilla.
3. Layer freshness: Evenly scatter shredded lettuce and sliced jalapenos to add crunch and mild heat.

Mango Coconut Curry
With so any unique ways to make mango curry, chef Ravinder at Karma Lakelands in Gurugram says you can try the Mango Coconut Curry. He explains, "The sweet mango and creamy coconut create a tropical harmony that instantly transports you - it's a dish that bridges the familiarity of comfort food with the intrigue of exotic flavours."

Ingredients:
Ripe mango pulp 1 cup
Coconut milk 1 cup
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Curry leaves 8-10 nos
Green chillies, slit - 2 nos
Ginger, grated 1 tsp
Turmeric 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Oil 1 tbsp

Method:
1. Heat oil, splutter mustard seeds, add curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger.
2. Add turmeric, mango pulp, and salt. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and cook gently for 4-5 minutes till flavors combine.
4. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Insalata de Mango and Avocado
While use mangoes only in curries and tacos, when you can also include them in something as simple as a salad. Arun Kala, who is the executive chef at Radisson Blu Plaza in Karjat says you can make a delicious Insalata de Mango and Avocado. He explains, "The salad is a unique blend of fresh ripe seasonal mangoes with avocados. Feta cheese gives a slight tint of cheese and salt to it."

Ingredients:
Ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed 2 nos
Ripe avocado, peeled and cubed 1 no
Feta cheese, cubed 200 gm
Basil leaves, shredded 5 nos
Honey 1 tbsp
Balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp

Method:
1. Mix the honey and balsamic vinegar to make the dressing.
2. Mix together cubed mangoes, avocados, shredded basil and dressing.
3. Slowly toss the ingredients, place in a serving bowl garnished with feta cheese and fresh basil leaves.