Sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and tart mango condiment

The symbolism behind this recipe and its ingredients parallel our lives which is a complex blend of happy, bitter, sad, angry and fiery moments. All in balance, complementing each other is what life is about.

Pointer 1: Usually prepared on Tamil New Year's day. Use raw green mangoes

Ingredients:

• 1 raw green mango
• 11/2 cup brown sugar or molasses
• 1 Tbsp. dry neem flowers
• 2 red chillies
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. oil
• 1/4 tsp. mustard seeds
  
  

Method:
Add molasses to 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until it thickens slightly. Set aside. Add sliced mangoes to the rest of the water and boil for a few minutes until mangoes are cooked. Add the entire contents to the thickened jaggery water. Spurt mustard seeds in hot oil, add the red chillies, fry until they turn golden brown and mix everything with the mango. Add salt. Let it cook together for a few more minutes. Serve on New Year's day. The end result should neither be too thick or watery, but have the consistency of a batter.