This Moringa Mango Chutney is a tasty mix of sweet mangoes and healthy moringa leaves. It’s tangy, delicious, and perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal!
Whenever I make this chutney, I can’t help but sneak a spoonful straight from the jar! It’s great on sandwiches or served with curry for a fun twist. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Moringa Leaves: Moringa is amazing for its health benefits. If you can’t find fresh leaves, you could use moringa powder instead. Just use about 1-2 tablespoons of the powder.
Mango: Ripe mangoes give the best flavor. If mangoes are out of season, try using a pear or peach for sweetness instead. You could also try canned mango, draining it well first.
Green Chili: Adjust to your spice level – if you prefer less heat, use a bell pepper instead. You could also omit it entirely or use a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Jaggery: This is my favorite for its unique flavor, but brown sugar works just fine as a substitute. You could even use honey if you want, but add it after cooking to preserve its health benefits.
Tamarind Paste: If you don’t have tamarind, lemon juice is a good alternative. You can also use vinegar for a bit of tanginess.
How Do I Get the Perfect Flavor Blend in My Chutney?
Getting the balance of flavors in your chutney is key. Start by cooking the spices first, as this helps release their essential oils and flavors. Here’s a simple way to enhance your chutney:
- Heat your oil on medium heat, letting the mustard and cumin seeds splutter while stirring so they don’t burn.
- Add the onions and chili to develop a sweet and spicy base. Cooking them until they’re translucent helps build the flavor.
- Add the mango and moringa together and let them cook down. This helps them meld into the spices nicely.
- Mix in the jaggery and tamarind last to create that perfect sweet-and-tangy taste. Taste as you go, adjusting sweetness and acidity to your liking.
- For a different texture, consider blending to your preferred consistency, though I often leave it chunky for a more rustic feel.
Following these steps should give you a vibrant and balanced chutney that can elevate many dishes! Enjoy this tasty treat!
Moringa Mango Chutney
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup fresh moringa leaves, washed and chopped
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
- 1 green chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp jaggery or brown sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste or 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tanginess)
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes chopping and prepping the ingredients, and then around 15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s super quick and rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter for a minute; this enhances their flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
2. Sauté Onions and Chili:
Next, toss in the chopped onions and green chili. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The chili gives a nice kick, so feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste buds.
3. Add Spices:
Now, sprinkle in the turmeric powder and red chili powder (if using). Stir it quickly to combine everything and let it cook for another 30 seconds, releasing those yummy spices!
4. Combine Mango and Moringa:
Time to add the chopped mango and moringa leaves! Stir everything together and ensure the mango gets coated with the spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mango becomes soft and tender.
5. Sweeten and Season:
Once the mango is soft, it’s time to add the jaggery or brown sugar, tamarind paste (or lemon juice), and salt. Mix well until everything is well combined and simmer for a few more minutes.
6. Adjust Consistency:
If your mixture seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of water. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until it reaches your desired chutney consistency.
7. Cool and Blend (Optional):
Remove the pan from heat and let the chutney cool slightly. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can lightly blend it. Otherwise, keeping it chunky also works perfectly!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl. You can garnish with a sprinkle of tempered mustard seeds and dried red chilies if you like. It’s delicious with rice, as a dip for snacks, or as a flavorful side to curries.
Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious Moringa Mango Chutney, packed with flavor and health benefits!
Can I Use Dried Moringa in This Recipe?
While fresh moringa leaves are ideal for vibrant flavor and nutrition, you can use dried moringa powder as a substitute. Just add about 1-2 tablespoons, but the taste and texture will differ slightly from fresh leaves.
How Do I Store Leftover Chutney?
Store any leftover chutney in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the flavors can enhance as it sits! Give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Chutney?
Absolutely! You can customize the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery or brown sugar as per your taste. Start with the suggested amount, then adjust gradually until it tastes just right for you.
What Dishes Pair Well with Moringa Mango Chutney?
This chutney is versatile! It pairs beautifully with rice, dosa, samosas, or grilled chicken. It can also serve as a unique dip for appetizers or spread on sandwiches for added zing!
