Aamras (Mango pulp)

Important declaration: I have written this after eating “Aamras and chapatti (Roti)” as my lunch today.

The King of fruit : Mango has been known as King of fruits and it has been around for atleast 6,000 years. It has been described in ancient Sanskrit literature like Valmiki Ramayan and “Ayurvedic healing and cooking”. According to Ayurveda it balances all the three doshas and acts as an energizer. They are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, and Vitamin C, Antioxidants have been shown to play an important role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They also contain bioflavonoids, the compounds that help plants capture energy from the sun, and when eaten they aid our immune system. Mangoes also supply potassium and fiber and are low in calories. The insoluble fiber, abundant in mangoes, aids the elimination of waste from the colon and prevents constipation.



Plain aamras : Photo by Vikas



Aamras : This recipe is very popular both in Gujarat and Maharashtra. In fact, in both Gujarati and Maharashtrian weddings, I have had aamras served with puris. In Gujarat, the traditional way is to serve aamras with pooris. But it can also be had after a meal as a sweet dish, dessert or just about at anytime.



When I was kid, my mom uses to serve this either with chapatti (Roti) or with Rice. I still miss that taste.

Ingredients for the aamras:

1. As many number of mangoes you want. I used 5 mangoes for 3 person
2. sugar or jaggery
3. cardamom powder (optional)
4. saffron strands/kesar (optional)
5. milk (optional)
6. Dry fruits for dressing (Optional)

Aamras with dry fruit topping

Method for making aamras:

1. Wash the mangoes. Then peel and chop them.
2. In a blender, add the chopped mango pieces and blend.
3. Optional : Add little milk (More milk will lead you to mango milk shake)
4. Optional : Add cardamom powder, and saffron while blending
5. Sugar: Add sugar / Jeggery . Please note that the quantity of sugar depends on sweetness of mango and individual preference of sweetness. I usually prefer not to add when mangos are sweet enough.
6. Chill in the refrigerator.
7. Optional: Add your choice of dry fruits to the aamras as topping. If adding cashew-nuts, fry the nuts till golden brown and than mix it with aamras.
8. Optional: you can also top it with grated chocolate and cream.
9. It can be served as desert. I just love it simple aamras or with Vanilla ice cream. It is just heavenly to have aamras with vanilla ice cream.

The best thing about this is that it is very simple to make, does not require too many things to cook, tastes good and can be eaten with rice or any kind of breads.