Discover the vibrant and flavorful world of amba, a culinary masterpiece that blends the tanginess of mangoes with a symphony of spices. Embark on a culinary journey to uncover the secrets behind this beloved condiment, exploring its origins, diverse variations, and the culinary magic it brings to various cuisines. From its humble beginnings in the kitchens of India to its global acclaim, amba has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. Prepare to delve into the realm of amba, where sweet and spicy dance in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
AMBA (A SPICY AND SAVORY MANGO CONDIMENT)
Although this is posted in response to a recipe request, I'm also posting this for myself, since it really is time I started making this yummy, spicy sauce. I normally do not like mangoes, but I do like amba, espcially drizzled on my felafel. This recipe comes from one of my Hebrew cookbooks, Matanot Mehamitbach (Gifts from the Kitchen) by Gil Hovav, one of Israel's foremost foodies, translation courtesy of me ;-) Just beware, if you injest even average quantities of this stuff, the fenugreek will add a certain je n'ai c'est quoi to your body odor. Fenugreek is good for you, but not in every way... Cooking time is also sunning time.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Sauces
Time P5DT30m
Yield 4 one-cup jars
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Wash the mangoes well and cut them up (including the peel) into slices the size of your pinky finger.
- Salt well and place the slices into a large jar. Close the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 4 to 5 days to release all the liquid in the fruit. At the end of this time the mangoes should be a very light, yellow color.
- Drain, saving the liquid.
- Allow the mango slices to dry, preferably in the sun, for 3 to 4 hours.
- Heat the 2 tablespoons of corn oil in a pot, and add all the ingredients up to (and not including) the garlic. Cook and constantly stir for a few seconds, until the spices begin to pop and make tiny explosive noises.
- Boil the mango liquid (you did remember to save it, didn't you?) and add this to the heated spice mixture.
- Add the mango and the chopped garlic.
- Stir, and continue cooking for 5 minutes on a low flame. Make sure the mixture does not dry out too much.
- Remove from the flame and let cool completely.
- Divide the mixture among 4 one-cup jars (which have been sterilized).
- Cover with the corn oil and seal.
- Amba is delicious with felafel, meat, fish, and even mixed into rice dishes.
- The amba will keep for at least six months.
MANGO AMBA SAUCE
This recipe for sweet and spicy Middle Eastern mango sauce is perfect for adding flair to your sandwiches.
Provided by Anita Schecter
Categories Condiment Sauce Jam / Jelly
Time 8h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Heat canola oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add mustard seeds and, when they sputter, turn heat to low and add diced chile pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add diced mango to pan, along with lemon juice.
- Add brown sugar and water, in 1/4 cup increments, and stir until sugar has dissolved.
- Continue cooking and stirring until all mango chunks are tender. Continue adding water as needed.
- Stir in ground cumin, fenugreek, ground sumac, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust salt to your liking.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour into a lidded jar or container and refrigerate.
- Allow to sit in refrigerator at least overnight to develop flavors. Use as a condiment as desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 149 kcal, Carbohydrate 29 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 327 mg, Sugar 22 g, Fat 4 g, ServingSize 1 jar (8 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
QUICK PICKLED AMBA
Adeena Sussman developed this brilliant recipe for amba, the habit-forming, hot and sour salt-cured mango pickle that usually takes several days to prepare. Ms. Sussman, a cookbook author who lives in Tel Aviv, completes the process in just 40 minutes, and adds an unusual ingredient that mimics the flavors of a longer fermentation: fish sauce. Make the quick pickle in the dead of winter with green, unripe mangoes, then use it to brighten up anything from a simple piece of sautéed fish to a bowl of rice and vegetables.
Provided by Tejal Rao
Categories condiments, pickles
Time 30m
Yield About 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Peel the mango, and grate the fruit on the large holes of a box grater, directly into a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups water, the onion, jalapeño, salt, garlic, mustard seeds, turmeric, fenugreek, cumin and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mango and onion have softened and the liquid has reduced slightly, about 20 minutes. (If the mangoes aren't very juicy and the pan starts to dry out before the fruit has softened, add a splash of water so the mixture can cook for the full 20 minutes without burning on the bottom of the pan.)
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then stir in the lemon juice and fish sauce. Transfer to a blender and purée until smooth and glossy. Chill before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a food processor or blender to make the amba smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to taste, depending on your desired level of spiciness.
- If you don't have fenugreek seeds, you can use cumin seeds instead.
- Store the amba in a sterilized jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve amba as a condiment with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
- Amba can also be used as a marinade or sauce for chicken, lamb, or beef.
Conclusion:
Amba is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. With its spicy, tangy, and savory flavor, amba is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Experiment with different variations of the recipe to find the perfect one for your taste buds. Enjoy this unique and flavorful condiment!
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