Ummama’s Delicious Mango Pickle

This isn’t just a pickle, it’s a whole experience. Whenever there’s a batch of this in the kitchen, everyone magically appears, sneaking in a spoonful before mealtime. Ummama makes this every summer when raw mangoes are at their best, and if you’re lucky enough to grab some, don’t let go!

Now, let’s get straight into making this legendary pickle. No unnecessary waiting, just action!

Ingredients

✅ 5 raw mangoes (not ripe!)—cut into small pieces
✅ ½ handful curry leaves
✅ ½ tsp mustard seeds
✅ ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
✅ ½ cup Sunflower oil (Ummama’s choice!)
✅ 6 tbsp chili powder (adjust if you fear the spice!)

✅ 10 cloves garlic
✅ 1 tsp asafoetida powder
✅ Salt to taste
✅ 2 tbsp vinegar
✅ 1 tsp sugar

Recipe

Step 1: Roast & Grind the Magic Spice Mix

Why? Because this is the heart of the flavor. If you get this right, the pickle will be out of this world.

🔥 On LOW flame, dry roast:
✅ ½ handful of curry leaves (do this first so they dry out properly and so the seeds dont burn!)
✅ ½ tsp mustard seeds
✅ ½ tsp fenugreek seeds

Once they smell amazing (you’ll know when), cool them down and grind them into a fine powder.

💡 Pro Tip: If you roast them too long, you’ll get bitterness instead of that rich, nutty flavor. Stay alert!

Step 2: The Spicy Oil Infusion

Here’s where the magic really begins.

1️⃣ Heat ½ cup sunflower oil (Ummama swears by it) with 10 cloves of garlic on high flame.
2️⃣ Turn OFF the flame before adding spices—this stops them from burning!
3️⃣ Quickly stir in:
🔥 6 tbsp chili powder (yep, this is serious spice!)
🔥 The roasted spice mix from Step 1
🔥 1 tsp asafoetida powder

✨ Why turn off the heat? The spices bloom in the hot oil without turning bitter. Trust the process!

Step 3: It’s Mango Time!

Now for the fun part, mixing it all together.

🟡 Drop the 5 raw mangoes (cut into pieces) into the spicy oil mix.
🟡 Add salt to taste (be generous—it’s a pickle, not a salad!).
🟡 Pour in 2 tbsp vinegar (this is what gives it that irresistible tang!)
🟡 Add 1 tsp sugar for a perfect balance.
🟡 Stir like your life depends on it.

💡 If it looks dry, warm up some extra oil and drizzle it over. Problem solved!

The Waiting Game

🚀 Days 1-3: Store at room temperature. Stir it now and then.
❄️ After Day 3: Move it to the fridge so it lasts longer.

🫙 The longer it sits, the better it tastes. But let’s be real—it’ll be gone before that.

Now, Go Make It!

You now have Ummama’s legendary recipe, don’t let it go to waste! Try it, share it, and let everyone know you just made the best pickle ever.