The mighty mango: Easy no-cook delights
- 26 Jun 2021
Saleha Irfan, Senior Sub-Editor/Reporter
There are two kinds of people: Those who love and enjoy summer, and the rest of us. I’m not a fan of this hot season at all but there’s only one reason why I wait for it all year long: Mangoes. I can eat them in any shape or form but what I love the most is to try out new dishes with them, especially ones that require no cooking or baking of any sort (because it’s so hot!). Just cut them, blend, assemble and stick in the fridge.
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From zesty mango salsa to refreshing mango mocktail, here are some super easy and drool-worthy dishes that you can whip up.
MANGO SALSA
Fresh, delicious and colourful are just a few words that come to mind when you think of this salsa. It is also ridiculously easy to make. All you need is a chopping board, a spoon and a bowl. The salsa can be served as a standalone salad or with chips and nachos on the side.
Ingredients
2 medium mangoes
1/2 red bell pepper
1/4 red onion
1 green chilli
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 sprigs mint
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp maple syrup/honey
Method
1. Cut the mangoes, bell pepper, onion and green chilli in small pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, pomegranate seeds and crushed mint leaves.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the lime, salt, pepper and maple syrup/honey. Add this to the bowl of salsa, mix well and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving suggestion: This salsa can be enjoyed as a salad or served with a side of nachos. You can also blend it and serve it as a chutney.
MANGOMISU
You have heard of tiramisu but what about mangomisu? It follows the same recipe except that instead of dipping the ladyfinger biscuits in coffee, you dip them in mango juice.
You could use a square or rectangle dish for this dessert or, if you want to give it the appearance of a cake, use a round springform pan.
Ingredients
3 medium mangoes
250g cream cheese
300ml whipping cream
3 tbsp sugar
250g ladyfinger biscuits
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 cup mango juice
Method
1. Beat the whipped cream until stiff peaks form. Add sugar and vanilla essence and mix.
2. Next, add the cream cheese and whisk to combine.
3. In a pan of your choice, dip the ladyfingers in mango juice and arrange it at its base. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over them. Then, add the sliced mangoes.
4. Repeat the second layer with dipped biscuits, cream cheese mixture and mango slices. Refrigerate overnight.
MANGO AND CHIA YOGURT
If you are looking for an easy and healthy midday snack or a quick breakfast, it doesn’t get better than this mango and chia yogurt.
It is topped with superfood chia and, if you want to make it even healthier, use low fat yogurt.
Ingredients
300g yogurt
300g mango puree
1 tsp honey
1/4 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 cups mango cubes
1 tsp chia seeds
Method
1. Beat the yogurt to a smooth consistency.
2. To prepare the puree, peel and cube the mangoes, then blend in a food processor. Add the mango puree into the yogurt and mix well.
3. Add honey and vanilla essence and mix. If the mangoes are sweet, you can skip the honey.
4. Top with chia seeds, mango cubes and any other fruit of your choice.
MANGO KULFI
To make the conventional kulfi, you need do a little stovetop cooking but this is a shortcut recipe.
All you need to do is blend the ingredients and freeze the mixture in an airtight container. The bread slices provide the traditional kulfi texture.
Ingredients
500ml whipping cream
397g condensed milk
4 cups mango puree
3 bread slices
1 cup mango cubes
1/2 cup crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts)
Method
1. Prepare the puree and set aside.
2. In a chilled bowl, whip the cream on medium for a minute. Add the condensed milk and mango puree and beat for another minute. Next, cut the bread slices into smaller pieces, add to this and beat until mixed.
3. Add the mango pieces and nuts and mix with a spoon. Pour the mixture into an airtight container and freeze overnight.
4. Before serving, thaw at room temperature for a few minutes so you can scoop it out easily. Garnish with sliced pistachios.
MANGO TRIFLE
This mango trifle is not only a treat to eat but also to look at, especially if you use glass containers or dishes to make it in.
It has layer upon layer of mango flavoured delights. Make it in individual bowls or glasses to serve at parties.
Ingredients
150g Digestive biscuits
90g unsalted butter
4 scoops mango ice cream
3 medium mangoes
1 packet mango jelly
200ml whipping cream
Method
1. Prepare the mango jelly according to package instructions and leave to cool.
2. Add biscuits to a food processor and crush into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and mix. In a rectangular pan, pour the biscuit mixture and press down firmly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In a bowl, beat the scoops of mango ice cream. Add 1 tablespoon of cream and whip until the mixture comes together. Pour this on top of the biscuit base, cover with cling film and freeze for 2 hours.
4. Cut the mangoes into small pieces. Set a little aside and spread the rest on top of the ice cream.
5. Next, cut the cooled mango jelly and add it on top of the mango pieces. Freeze again for about half an hour.
6. Beat the whipped cream until stiff peaks form. Spread this on top of the mango trifle. Pour the mango puree on the cream and make swirls. Freeze for another 30 minutes before serving. You can also make and serve this dessert in individual bowls.
MANGO MOCKTAIL
Who doesn’t love a refreshing drink to beat the heat? If you have ever wanted to learn how a mocktail is made, this recipe is sure to help you.
It is minty, fresh and cool. For a healthier version, switch the soda for carbonated water and add a sweetener of your choice.
Ingredients
1 medium mango
2 tsp lemon juice
1 sprig mint
1 7UP/Sprite
Method
1. Add all the ingredients except the 7UP/Sprite in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Fill half a glass with this mixture. Add 1/3 of soda on top. Stir to combine.
3. Top with mint leaves and serve chille
