Amer Mishti Achar

Amer Mishti Achar refers to a sweet mango pickle in Bengali cuisine. This pickle combines the tanginess of raw mangoes with sweetness and various spices, creating a delightful accompaniment.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw mango, peeled and diced
• 1 cup sugar (adjust according to taste and tartness of mango)
• 1/2 cup mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)
• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Raw Mango:

   • Peel the raw mango and dice it into small pieces. Remove the seed.

2. Prepare Spice Mix:

   • In a small bowl, mix together mustard seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and roasted cumin powder. Crush the seeds slightly.

3. Cook Mangoes:

   • In a pan, heat mustard oil until it smokes. Allow it to cool slightly.
   • Add the diced raw mango to the hot oil and sauté for a few minutes until they become slightly soft.

4. Prepare Sweet Spice Paste:

   • Add the spice mix prepared earlier to the mangoes. Mix well.
   • Add sugar and continue to cook on low heat until the mangoes are well-coated with the spice mix and sugar is dissolved.

5. Simmer:

   • Simmer the mixture on low heat until the mangoes are fully cooked and the sugar has formed a syrup-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Cool and Store:

   • Allow the pickle to cool. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean, dry jar for storage.

7. Serve:

   • Amer Mishti Achar is ready to be served. Enjoy it as a sweet and tangy accompaniment with meals.

Tips:

• For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the pickle for up to 2 weeks.
• If you don't have sugar, you can substitute it with jaggery or brown sugar or honey.
• You can also add other ingredients to the pickle, like chopped onions, garlic, or green chilies.
• Adjust the sugar levels based on your preference for sweetness.

This sweet mango pickle is a traditional Bengali delicacy that can be served with rice, paratha, or as a side dish with various Indian meals.