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Monday, July 13, 2009

Avakkai - super spicy mango pickle

Avvaka has always been something that I've thought of as best left to the expert hands of mothers and grandmothers. That is, until I tried making it myself. Armed with my aunt R's fool proof recipe, I discovered just how easy it is to come up with a pickle that tastes better than any that you can buy at a store.
There is a special variety of mango called avakka manga which is used just to make this pickle. However, you can use any sour,firm, fully matured unripe mango. It has to be cut in a special way.....usually the person who sells these mangoes will cut them for you if you ask....they usually cut it in such a way that the shell surrounding the seed is retained.

Here's the recipe:
Cut mango - 5 cups
Red chilli powder - 1 cup
Turmeric powder - a few heaped teaspoonfuls
Salt - 1 cup
Gingely oil - 1 cup
Mustard powder - 1/4 cup (powder mustard in the small jar of your mixie and use it)

What to do:
Spread the cut mango on a clean white towel. Wash the mangoes before you get them cut, not after. Wipe dry. Rub the part around the shell well and remove the thin layer resembling plastic that you'll be able to see. Not all mango pieces will have this, but most of them do, and it is important to remove this.
Mix all the ingredients together. Stir well. Cover properly and set aside. Stir once a day for the next few days until the oil rises to the top. This usually takes about three to four days. Store in a glass container or a bharani (see first pic). If you are using a bharani, set aside a small quantity of the pickle in a bottle for daily use and then tie the mouth of the bharani with a clean white muslin cloth and close it.
Following this recipe exactly will give you a super hot and spicy pickle which is best enjoyed with curd rice. If you cannot tolerate high spice levels, modify the amount of red chilli powder used.This is my entry to Srivalli's Mango Mela.

20 comments:

jayasree said...

Mouthwatering pickle... One of my favorites. I learnt this from my MIL and she too follows the same measurement as urs.

the blogger formerly known as sansmerci said...

yummmmmmmmmm

LakshmiLakshmanan said...

superb! makes me to think of my mom...
Cheers!

Unknown said...

yummy..never tried making in such a authentic way..good one..

Archana Vivek said...

Looks awesome Jay. I know this is your favorite pickle too. Enjoy.

Sanghi said...

Pickle and picture tempts me a lot..!

Anonymous said...

Hi jaya,
Tempting presentation...liked that jar...tnx for sharing...

Sindhura said...

Dear Jayasri!!!
Avakai-Andhra delight!!!
Thanks for ur comment jaya!!!
Regarding ur query-
well once u slice them in to roundels you need to soak in salt water,followed by soaking in cool water(normal.Now press them with the help of a cloth n squeeze excess water.
You are doing this so that they become stiff.

Keep visiting my space!!!
CHAITRA

Saritha said...

Wow mouthwatering pickle.My pickle which my mom brought spoiled yesterday and when i saw something white on the mango pieces i had tears in my eyes.Now again i have wait for next year to get this pickel :(

Recipes From India said...

Lovely pickle and my all time fav.

Vani said...

Oooh, looks fabulous, J!

Home Cooked Oriya Food said...

awesome pickle. reminded me of the jar mom used too...

Sum Raj said...

hmmm..its mouthwatering ...love to have some curd rice too..

Cynthia said...

I keep touching my screen but I cannot get to the pickle :)

Renu said...

I missed my mango season this year:(

Srivalli said...

Beautiful jay..thanks for the entry!

Pari Vasisht said...

Hi! My first time here. Saw your entry at the Mango mela and I promptly dropped here to check out ur pickle. My mouth's watering.Check out my posts and do find time to read my blog and leave ur comments/suggestions.

Sunshinemom said...

Oooooooooh! That just got me drooling!! Nothing can beat the aroma of a good avakkai!

Bharathy said...

Have not tried making avakkai oorgai yet, due to less confidence...:)..my husband is a die hard fan of this pickle..
Your version seems to be easy..should try this method..

sangeeta said...

hopped here through pari's blog...you have a nice blog .
this pickle is so mouth watering....checkout my version here....http://banaraskakhana.blogspot.com/2009/06/aam-ka-achar.html..