Mango Rice
Ingredients
For Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice, I am using basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
For mango seasoning
- 2 cups raw mango peeled and shredded
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, rai
- About 10 curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons peanuts
- 2 tablespoons roasted chana, optional
- 1 tablespoon ginger sliced, adrak
- 2 green chili seeded and sliced lengthwise
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, haldi
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup coconut freshly shredded, I am using frozen shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice, use as needed
Instructions
- Wash and soak the rice in about 3 cups of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Drain the rice. In the saucepan cook, the rice with 2 cups of water, salt, and oil over medium-high heat, bring rice to a boil then turn the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the rice for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Note: Cooked rice expands to about 4 times its original size, so be sure to use the proper size pan.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, oil should be moderately hot, add mustard seeds.
- When the seeds crack adds peanuts, and roasted chana, stir fry for one minute until peanuts are lightly brown.
- Add green chili, curry leaves, and ginger, and stir for a few seconds.
- Next add coconut, mango, sugar, salt, turmeric, and red chili mix it well and cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes until the mango is just tender, do not overcook the mango.
- Gently fold the rice with mango and turn off the heat. Mango rice is ready to serve.
- Turn off the heat and if needed drizzle some lemon juice.
Indulge in taste of South Indian Mango Rice: mango rice Indian recipe
Mango rice is a vegan, gluten-free, kid-friendly, quick & easy delectable South Indian dish that features the vibrant flavors of ripe mangoes combined with aromatic spices and cooked rice. Typically served as part of festive meals or enjoyed as a quick and flavorful lunch option, mango rice showcases the culinary diversity and richness of South Indian cuisine. Whether you’re looking to explore new flavors or simply craving a taste of home, this mango rice recipe is sure to delight your taste buds with its unique blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
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Preparing the Rice: Washing and Soaking
Start the process of making this flavorful South Indian mango rice by washing and soaking the rice in about 3 cups of water for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures that the rice grains absorb enough water to cook evenly and achieve the desired texture. Proper soaking also helps to reduce cooking time and enhances the overall taste and fluffiness of the dish.
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Cooking the Rice: Simmering to Perfection
After draining the soaked rice, cook it in a saucepan with 2 cups of water, salt, and oil over medium-high heat. Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes until tender and the water has evaporated. It’s important to use the correct size pan as the cooked rice expands to about 4 times its original size. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork to ensure it is light and fluffy.
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Tempering the Spices: Enhancing Flavor
In another saucepan, begin the preparation for this delightful South Indian mango rice by heating oil over medium heat until it reaches a moderately hot temperature. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds to the pan, allowing them to crackle and pop in the sizzling oil. This process not only enhances the aroma of the dish but also imparts a nutty flavor to the oil, elevating the overall taste profile of the Indian mango rice. As the mustard seeds crackle and release their essence into the oil, they add depth and complexity to the dish, complementing the sweet and tangy flavors of the mango and the aromatic spices used in this mango rice recipe. The infusion of mustard seed flavor is a quintessential element of mango rice Indian recipe, contributing to its authentic taste and traditional appeal.
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Adding Crunchy Elements: Peanuts and Roasted Chana
Once the mustard seeds crackle, add peanuts and roasted chana to the saucepan. Stir-fry for about a minute until the peanuts are lightly browned, adding a delightful crunch to the dish. This combination of crunchy elements adds texture and flavor to the mango rice recipe.
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Infusing Aromatics: Green Chili, Curry Leaves, and Ginger
To enhance the aroma and flavor of the Indian mango rice, add green chili, curry leaves, and ginger to the saucepan. Stir-fry for a few seconds, allowing the spices to release their fragrant essence and infuse the oil.
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Incorporating Mango and Coconut: Adding Sweetness and Freshness
Next, add coconut, diced mango, sugar, salt, turmeric, and red chili to the saucepan. Mix well and cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes until the mango is just tender. It’s important not to overcook the mango to retain its freshness and natural sweetness, maintaining the integrity of the dish.
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Combining Rice and Mango Mixture: Creating Harmony
Gently fold the cooked rice with the mango mixture, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish. This step brings together the sweetness of the mango, the nuttiness of the rice, and the aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
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Finishing Touches: Drizzling Lemon Juice
If desired, turn off the heat and drizzle some lemon juice over the South Indian mango rice for an added burst of freshness and tanginess. This final touch elevates the flavors of the dish, balancing the sweetness of the mango with a hint of acidity. Your delicious mango rice Indian recipe is now ready to be served and enjoyed.
If you loved our recipe of mango rice then you must also check out other variants of Rice: Vegetable Biryani, Masala Khichdi, Chhole Biryani, Quinoa Vegetable Pilaf, and Lemon Rice.
