Combine some tart yoghurt (dairy or non-dairy) with a perfectly ripe, sweet Champagne mango and some Indian spices for a very different treat. This sweet-tart combination makes a perfect side dish to go with a spicy Indian meal. Add a dal and rice, a Indian vegetable or two and a spoonful of homemade lemon pickle, and a meal like this will transport you directly to culinary heaven.
Unfortunately I’ve never seen this on the menu at any of the Indian restaurants I’ve ever been to!
Selecting a perfectly ripe mango can be tricky, as the color is not always an indication of ripeness. Some mangos, like the Kent variety, stay mostly green and rather firm when ripe. Others, like the Champagne or Ataulfo mango, turn golden yellow and a bit wrinkly when ripe. Hold the mango in the palm of your hand and give it a very gentle squeeze. It should yield a little and smell sweet!
Generally I find that using quality ingredients results in better tasting meals. I have never been a fan of “American style” yoghurt as is often contains gelatin, which is made from bovine bones. I prefer the natural European style. Some of my favorite brands are Brown Cow and Pavel’s yoghurt. For non-dairy yoghurt, I like the plain unsweetened coconut or almond milk type.
Here is the recipe:
- 1 1/2 cups plain, unsweetened yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly toasted cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- a few grinds of black pepper
- a little fresh mint or cilantro, finely minced
- 1 1/2 cups of mango, peeled, pitted and cut into small cubes
Toast the cumin seeds in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant.
In a bowl, blend together the yoghurt until smooth.
Add the lemon juice, cayenne pepper, black pepper, mint or cilantro and mango.
Gently fold the salad until well combined.
Make sure the mango stays intact.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until serving.
This keeps well for a couple of days.

A South Indian Dinner: Toasted pappadums, spicy spinach, dal, mango yoghurt salad, curried potatoes and red volcano rice and homemade lemon pickle.
Really liking this! Looks great 🙂
https://alifyalifestyle.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s delicious! Give it a try! 😀
LikeLike
My curiosity is aroused by the combination of sweet and savory ingredients. I might have to make curry tonight, just to have the mix. Looks fabulous, Sabine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Missy! This is so delicious that I could eat it several times a week. It goes well with just about any spicy curry!
Now I’m getting hungry! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did not know that about yogurt. Learned something new.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
That looks delish! I’m gonna show this recipe to my hubby so he can try to cook it for me. lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can you come over to my place and cook this for me, please?! The meal in your last photo! I only live on the other side of the globe but that’s probably no problem?! 😉 Hahahah 😀 Looks great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some day! Finland has been on my list for a long time! I’ll bring the mangos! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good idea! 😉
LikeLike
Nope I’ve never seen this on a menu. Probably because it’s so perishable and not a widely recipe. But they should add this after a spicy dish instead of always pushing Lassi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed! It’s one of my favorite South Indian side dishes.
Thanks for always stopping by Trudy! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. I enjoy your blog, it’s always a pleasure. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here! Your Big Apple Adventures are one of my favorite reads where I get to see the real New York through your eyes! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sticking with me! 😆
LikeLike
Can’t wait to try this – glad to have your blog, I look forward to reading more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Anne! Thanks for following and reading! This is a fabulous side dish. Enjoy! 😊
LikeLike