Aambyaache Saasav/Mango Curry

 Mango Curry/ Aambyaache saasav is generally made using small mangoes. This saasav is made during religious festivals in Konkani (people from the Konkan belt in India) households. In a taat (thaali), you will always find this dish along with other regulars like lime pickle, chutney, a dry vegetable dish, bhujjiya/ pakoda, daal etc.  These mangoes generally come during April - June and are always in demand when they arrive. They are sweet, juicy and delicious and it's difficult to eat just one!

A thaali/taat with a green bean dry dish, papad, wholewheat phulkas and mango curry

However, here in the Netherlands, we do not get those so I make do with whatever I can find in the market. I generally buy a ripe mango, peel it, cut the mango into small blocks and then use these blocks to make this saasav

To make this delicious Vegan Curry, here's what you need -

1 big mango, peeled, cut into mid sized blocks
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida powder
1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
4-5 curry leaves (dried are fine)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2  teacup grated coconut/ desiccated coconut/frozen grated coconut
3 teaspoons grated jaggery
1/2 teaspoon tamarind soaked in 3 tablespoons water
Salt to taste
Water
2 dried red chilies (Kashmiri) or 1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil/sunflower oil

Method
Put a big vessel on low heat.

Add oil.

Next, add the mustard seeds, asafoetida powder, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies ( if you are using red chili powder, add it later) and curry leaves.

After the mustard seeds start spluttering add the mango blocks, turmeric powder and red chili powder (in case you haven't used red chilies in step 1)

Stir fry this mix and add 3 teacups water, jaggery and tamarind water.

Cover and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Uncover and stir. Add the coconut now.

Cover and allow to simmer for 10 minutes till the curry becomes semi-thick.

Add salt (little). You can always add more if needed before serving.

Serve hot or at room temperature. If you intend using this after a few hours, please refrigerate.