Kesar mangoes are often celebrated for their sweet, rich flavor, but they also lend themselves beautifully to savory recipes. With vibrant color, smooth texture, and a hint of floral aroma, Kesar mangoes are perfect for adding a touch of tropical flavor to a range of savory dishes. From tangy salsas to refreshing salads and spicy chutneys, Kesar mangoes can transform a dish with their unique taste. Here’s a guide to making the most of Kesar mangoes in savory recipes, breaking away from traditional desserts and exploring bold, exciting flavors.
1. Kesar Mango Salsa
This fresh and tangy Kesar mango salsa is a delicious twist on the classic, adding a tropical note to tacos, grilled meats, or as a standalone dip with chips.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe Kesar mango, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño.
- Add fresh cilantro and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything gently to mix, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 10 minutes.
- Serve the salsa chilled with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos.
The sweetness of the Kesar mango perfectly balances the heat of the jalapeño and the tanginess of the lime, making this salsa a refreshing and vibrant side for your summer meals.
2. Kesar Mango and Avocado Salad
This light and refreshing salad combines creamy avocado and sweet mango with crunchy veggies, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe Kesar mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh mint and basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the chopped mint and basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the salad to combine, ensuring the mango and avocado remain intact.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light, summery lunch. The creamy avocado and juicy mango pair beautifully with the crisp cucumber and fresh herbs.
3. Spicy Kesar Mango Chutney
This sweet and spicy Kesar mango chutney is a flavorful condiment that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to Indian dishes like samosas and naan.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe Kesar mangoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 small piece of ginger, minced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat a small amount of oil and add the cumin seeds, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili, sautéing until softened.
- Add the chopped mango, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mangoes have softened and the chutney has thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature before serving.
Store the chutney in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s perfect as a dipping sauce or spread, bringing a burst of sweet and spicy flavor to any meal.
4. Kesar Mango and Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Kesar mango adds a tropical sweetness to these spicy grilled shrimp skewers, making them an excellent choice for summer barbecues or light dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe Kesar mango, diced into large cubes
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade, stirring to coat well, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the shrimp and mango cubes alternately onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
These shrimp and mango skewers are an explosion of flavors, combining the juicy mango with savory and spicy shrimp, making them a show-stopping appetizer or main dish.
5. Kesar Mango Quinoa Salad with Feta and Mint
For a nutritious and satisfying meal, try this Kesar mango quinoa salad. The sweetness of the mango pairs wonderfully with the earthy quinoa, creamy feta, and refreshing mint.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 ripe Kesar mango, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cucumber, diced
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced mango, crumbled feta, cucumber, and fresh mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for a light and satisfying meal.
This Kesar mango quinoa salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal with layers of flavor and texture. The mint adds a refreshing note, while the feta gives a creamy contrast to the sweet mango and crunchy cucumber.
Conclusion
Kesar mangoes aren’t just for sweet recipes – their versatility shines in savory dishes as well. From vibrant salsas and refreshing salads to flavorful chutneys and grilled skewers, Kesar mangoes can bring a touch of tropical sweetness to various dishes. These recipes showcase how easily Kesar mangoes can enhance your meals, making them perfect for warm weather and bringing a taste of summer to your table. So, break away from tradition and enjoy Kesar mangoes in a whole new way with these unique savory recipes.
