Mango Tango

There is problem with writing a food blog. People hesitate to invite you over. They fear that you will go there like a critic & while you may not voice your opinion, you are making a mental note of what could-have-been. And sooner, than later, your observation will make its way into your post. With names/locales changed to protect identity! An occupational hazard this sure is. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When Leela invited us for dinner last night, she made all this known with her customary innocence. I assured her I love the very idea that someone is cooking for me & I relish that food with the gratefulness of the glutton. Whether she was convinced or not is her thing. I know for myself that I thoroughly enjoyed the food last evening. The butter chicken was like that of the best hotel, the chhole was cooked just right and such perfect payesh, kheer, I hadn't had in a long time. What made the evening delightful was our dessert being served to us before the food cz that's when we relish it more! Dhiri teased her that while I am complimenting her food on her face, Leela should actually look out for what goes in the blog. Because that is where the real feedback lies. He had an unmistakable glint in his eyes when he said that to her. I dug into my spring roll and pretended not to notice. 
                                                                                                  After last night's dinner, I wake up this morning with thoughts of good food. Open my mailbox & see food all over. Sheetal had sent across her Kashmiri Dum Aloo recipe with pics, Ma sent this tangy Mango Chutney, my inbox was flooded and I was not complaining!
                                                                                                    This chutney is like zindagi. Kuch khatti kuch meethi. Come summer and you see most Bengali households make this for their lunch. Try this before the mangoes start ripening. Thank you Ma for making this. Thank you Tuli for clicking these.
                                                                                                           Ingredients: 
1. 1 big raw mango(see pic for cut)
2. 1-2 dry red chillies
3. 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
4. 2 tsp mustard + posto(khus khus) paste
1/2 tsp turmeric
5. Sugar to taste
6. Salt as required 
                                                                                                                                           Method: 
 1. Boil mangoes with salt & turmeric powder. Strain & keep ready.









                                                                               2. Allow mustard seeds & dry red chillies to crackle in hot oil. Add the boiled mango & saute for 2 mins.










                                                                             3. Add the mustard posto paste, sugar & water and bring chutney to boil. Add 1/2 tsp salt to equalize taste. 

Serve when cool.

                                                                                                                                                                           
This sweet n sour chutney has the power to make you salivate five thousand miles away from home. Observe your tongue as you read this!

Thank you for the lovely dinner Leela. You are a champ. Dhiri is feeling better I hope.