Mango salsa

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When I was a child, I remember the days when I visited my peddamma's ( Aunt) house.  They had this big Mango tree, with the sweetest mangoes ever.  I always want to visit her because who ever visits their house gets to enjoy the  delicious mangoes and take some home too...  I used to climb the tree with my cousin to get the delicious Mangoes way up high on the tree top....Almost everyone in India have a story like this  to remember, climbing the mango trees or aiming a slingshot at a neighbor’s tree laden with fruit, have scars and  bruises  to show like a war zone wounded soldier. or I should say the tempting mango fruit tree made us into mini thieves( Aam chor).

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During the summer time, my Mom used to make raw mango juice called Mango panna by charbroiling the raw mangoes on the fire pit, peeling the skin and squeezing out the juice, adding cold water and sugar. Every guest in our home used to get this ever tasting summer treats including the freshly sliced totapuri mango. My brother- in-law used to bring baskets of ( Rasalu) mangoes, fresh from the farm.  We didn't know what to do with it at that time, except enjoying the flavours just as it is... There is no right or wrong way to eat this delicious juicy mangoes. Snack time or after dinner  sucking out the juice and flesh from a chausa (literally a sucker) mango is an exceptional healthy treat. The juices dripping from hand towards the elbow,  mouth smeared with yellow juices.... what a  wonderful memory of mango eating!  After I came to Canada, I still do get the mangoes such as mexican mangoes, Alfonso etc. but cannot match with the taste.

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It is very common sight to see the street vendors selling the raw mangoes  sliced and sprinkled with mixture of red chili powder and salt. During my school days,  we were not permitted to go out during the break time.   Since it's  a girl's school the gates were always closed, except for the small window on the gate. On the other side of the gate is the street vendor selling this sweet and sour mangoes,guava, Jujube ( regi pandu) Kala jamun/ black cherry(Alla neredi) Hari boot ( green gorbonzo beans) etc depending on the season.  Everyday it is one of our friend's turn to buy them and share the treats with all the rest. Can't forget the yummy taste and the beautiful memories .  What a wonderful,  fresh and healthy snack !!  now I understand why American kids are obese, because they never eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

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 Each part of the Mango tree is used for various purposes, like mango leafs are used to decorate the house on auspicious occasions . Mango flower is used in Ugadi pachadi. Bark produces a gum which is used in medicine.  The tree logs are used in the funeral pyre.  who can forget Mango jelly ( mamidi thandra), Mango pickle ( Avakai) Mango lassi a typical North Indian beverage.  Dry mango powder  ( Aam choor )can change any dish into tangy delectable delight. Infact, Mango tree has become such an integral part of our lives that the mango motifs are used in various designs, like henna, saree embroidery, block printing, tie and dye, weaving etc.  Every Indian women owns atleast one jewellery with mango design on it.  I see the  mango print on bedsheets, cushions, curtains, shalwars and what not in every Indian home.  The Mango design has become the Identity of indian product in  the International market. 

There are various health benefits of mango, view at  http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/mango-fruit.html

Salsas are the part of  Mexican and spanish cooking. I serve this as a condiment or additional salad on the table.  This recipe is good as a side dish for seafood, poultry etc.  stuff it in your  tacos, wraps, quesadillas, burritos or serve it with tortilla /corn chips.  I learned this recipe from Food network channel from popular chef Rob rainford, he is not only hot looking guy, his recipes are hot off the grill " licence to grill".

Mango salsa
Ingredients
Ripe mangoes 2 - peeled, pitted, and diced
Medium red onion - finely chopped
Jalapeño chile 1- deseeded and minced (include ribs and seeds for a hotter taste if desired)
Small cucumber - peeled and diced
Fresh coriander/cilantro leaves 1 tbsp - chopped
Fresh lime juice -  1 tbsp
Olive oil - 1 tsp
Sweet corn - 1/2 cup cored - fresh or grilled
Sweet red pepper  -  diced
Green onions - 1 tbsp finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Method
Make the dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, coriander. combine rest of the ingredients in a bowl.  Pour the dressing over the salad , toss it and serve chilled.