The Recipe: Mango Chili Salsa

 

Photo by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

 

Mangoes remind most people of the tropics. The fruit has been growing on trees in South Asia for thousands of years, and even today more than a third of the world's mangoes are cultivated in India. Most people know two basic facts about mangoes: they are sweet in taste and hard to cut. Both are true and in the case of the latter, an entire product industry has been created to circumvent what I will term “the oblong pit problem”. Even Bobby Flay has taken to use a mango pitter on his CookingChannel show. The only other exposure most others would have to the tropical fruit would be an episode of Seinfeld!

Why should Americans eat more mangoes?

Often called the “king of fruits” elsewhere in the world, the mango is not high in calories, and it is an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and potassium. Now is the time to get acquainted with them: although they’re in season from January to August, mangoes peak in May and June.¹

Mangoes are healthy, sweet, and exotic, and the fruit brings those qualities to any dish. Chutneys, salads, desserts, and drinks are the most common places you will find this amazingly flavorful fruit. I love to offset the sweet taste with spicy chilies in a salsa that can be used on anything from fish to chicken to pork. The hot chilies complement the sweetness of the mangoes and by adding the strong flavors of red onion and cilantro, this salsa/chutney is perfect for a summertime meal. I prepared it on a cold day this winter, longing for the warm flavors of summer.

Recipe

• 1 mango 
• 1 jalapeno pepper 
• 1/2 red bell pepper 
• 1/4 red onion 
• 1 tbsp. olive oil 
• 2 tbsp. peach puree 
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 
• Sea salt  

1 Dice your mango into 1/2 inch cubes and roughly chop jalapeno and red bell pepper. 

2 Add mango and peppers to food processor, add cilantro, olive oil and peach puree, then season with salt. Pulse in processor for 10 to 15 seconds until mango salsa has chunky consistency.

3 Add salsa and sliced red onion into mixing bowl, then mix together all ingredients.

1 New York Times | Recipes for Health: Mangoes