Aam Ka Mitha Achar

Aam Ka Mitha Achar, also known as Sweet Mango Pickle, is a popular Indian condiment made with ripe mangoes, sugar, and spices. It's sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, making it a delicious accompaniment to Indian meals. Here's a simple recipe to make Aam Ka Mitha Achar:

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 cup jaggery (or granulated sugar)
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
• 4-5 whole cloves (laung)
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks (dalchini)
• 2-3 green cardamom pods (elaichi)
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Mangoes:

   • Wash, peel, and cut the mangoes into small cubes. Discard the seeds.

2. Prepare Spice Mix:

   • Dry roast fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods in a pan over low heat until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then grind them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

3. Cook Mangoes:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cubed mangoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.

4. Add Spices:

   • Add the ground spice mix, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well to coat the mangoes with the spices.

5. Add Jaggery and Vinegar:

   • Add jaggery (or sugar), vinegar, and water to the pan. Stir well to combine.

6. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mangoes are fully cooked and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. This may take about 15-20 minutes.

7. Cool and Store:

   • Once the Aam Ka Mitha Achar reaches the desired consistency, remove it from heat and allow it to cool completely.

   • Transfer the cooled pickle to clean, sterilized jars for storage.

8. Mature:

   • Let the pickle mature for at least a day before consuming to allow the flavors to develop fully.

9. Serve:

   • Serve the Aam Ka Mitha Achar as a condiment with Indian meals or snacks.

Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of this homemade Aam Ka Mitha Achar with your favorite dishes! Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your taste preference.