As the early summer sun warms the Australian landscape, it also heralds the arrival of one of the nation’s most beloved fruits: the magnificent mango. With prices dropping to a tempting $2 to $3 each, there’s no better time to explore the versatility of this tropical treasure. From luscious desserts to zesty salads and aromatic curries, mangoes lend their sweet, juicy essence to a myriad of dishes. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these eight mouthwatering mango recipes that celebrate the season’s bountiful harvest.
1. Mango and Tajín Semifreddo: A Spicy-Sweet Frozen Treat
Elevate your dessert game with Benjamina Ebuehi’s mango and Tajín semifreddo. This half-frozen Italian delicacy gets a fiery twist from Tajín, a Mexican condiment featuring ground chillies, lime, and sea salt. The interplay of sweet mango, sour lime, and spicy chilli creates an unforgettable flavor explosion that will keep you cool as the mercury rises.
2. Mango-Creme Brulee: A Tropical Twist on a French Classic
Transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched paradise with Ravneet Gill’s mango-creme brulee. This dreamy rendition of the iconic French dessert infuses the silky custard with the essence of ripe mangoes. The caramelized sugar crust adds a satisfying crunch, making each spoonful a delightful contrast of smooth and crisp textures.
3. Thai Prawn Salad with Green Mango and Peanuts: A Symphony of Flavors
Embrace the vibrant flavors of Thailand with Thomasina Miers’ Thai prawn salad. The star of this dish is the green mango, which lends a tart crunchiness that beautifully complements the succulent prawns. Accented by fragrant herbs, fiery chillies, and a umami-rich dressing, this salad is a refreshing medley of tastes and textures.
4. Mango and Squash Atchar: A Tangy Pickle to Preserve the Season
Extend the lifespan of your mangoes with Yotam Ottolenghi’s mango and squash atchar. This south-east Asian-inspired pickle combines the sweetness of mango and butternut squash with the crunch of green beans, all enveloped in a warmly spiced brine. Perfect as a condiment or a side dish, this atchar will add a zesty kick to your meals for months to come.
5. Mango Passionfruit Fool: A Fruity, Creamy Indulgence
Nigel Slater’s mango passionfruit fool is a delightfully easy dessert that showcases the best of summer fruits. Layers of whipped cream, tangy yogurt, and luscious mango and passionfruit puree create a visual and textural feast. For the ultimate indulgence, seek out mangoes that are “giving to the touch, deeply fragrant, and maybe with a golden bead of juice already appearing at their stalks.”
6. Caribbean Fish, Mango and Okra Curry: A Tropical Catch
Dive into the flavors of the Caribbean with Riaz Phillips’ fish, mango, and okra curry. The sweetness of ripe mango harmonizes beautifully with the delicate fish, while the okra adds a velvety texture to the curry. Serve this vibrant dish over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying and exotic meal.
7. Black Chickpea and Mango Curry with Bombay Mix: A Crunchy, Spicy Delight
Another mango curry masterpiece from Yotam Ottolenghi, this dish pairs the fruit with nutty black chickpeas and a medley of aromatic spices. The crowning glory is the homemade Bombay mix, a crunchy blend of fried chickpea flour noodles, nuts, and lentils that adds an irresistible textural contrast to the creamy curry.
8. Watermelon Ice with Mango, Coconut Jelly and Ube Jam: A Refreshing Rainbow
Cool down with Yasmin Newman’s watermelon ice, a Filipino take on the Japanese kakigori. This resplendent dessert features a mound of shaved watermelon ice adorned with a colorful array of toppings, including juicy mango chunks, silky coconut jelly, and earthy ube jam. Each spoonful is a refreshing symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to a tropical oasis.
As the early mango season unfolds, seize the opportunity to explore the myriad ways this luscious fruit can elevate your culinary creations. From spicy-sweet desserts to vibrant curries and refreshing salads, these eight recipes showcase the incredible versatility of the mighty mango. Embrace the season’s bounty and let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure with every bite.
