Mangai Sadham / Mango Rice

How to make Mango Rice/Mangai Sadham

            Manga sadham/Mango rice is one of the lip smacking rice of the south. This recipe brings back nostalgic childhood memories. Sneaking up to the terrace when the adults are busy taking an afternoon nap - find the biggest green mango that you can reach - pluck - take a bite - wait for it & make a sour face literally. On other occasions, it would be sliced and sprinkled with salt & paprika for a sour & spicy treat.

            The sourness of the rice will depend on how sour your mango is.  Serving this with Karivepillai thayir pachadi a.k.a Curry leaves raitha. The two flavors play well together.If you are a skeptic about the combo, try it before you dismiss the idea. 

Ingredients for 4 servings

1 large unripe/green mango
1 cup uncooked rice, cooked but not mushy
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 Tsp, chili powder
2 dry red chilies, broken
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
a pinch of asafoetida powder
a sprig of curry leaves
1/4 Tsp turmeric powder
1/4 Tsp roasted & powdered fenugreek seeds (optional)
Salt to taste

Stove top method:

•  Fluff the cooked rice gently, mix in a tbsp of sesame oil & spread the rice on a plate and let it cool. 
• Grate the mango, peeled or unpeeled.Heat remaining oil in a pan and when it's hot, add mustard seeds and fry for 30 seconds.Add curry leaves, dry red chilies and asafoetida powder cook for a minute. Add turmeric powder, fenugreek powder (if using),  grated mango, salt, and cook for a few minutes on medium heat, until the raw smell of the chili powder is gone.
• Turn off the heat, add the cooled rice and mix gently. Check seasoning & serve with papad & curry leaves raitha.