Green mango Thokku

I never look so closely the ingredients labels while shopping. First few ingredients are common and the rest are simply a food industry jargon for me.
Being a non vegetarian- gelatine never bothered me, never disliked certain cheese after knowing about rennet (animal product). I saw this article about Starbucks Strawberry Frappucinno- you cannot get it without insect! Yes, something new that I have never heard of Carmine. Though, it is a common food coloring ingredient used widely in yogurt, ice cream, candy, juice, etc...
Carmine is known under, cochineal, Natural Red 4, E120, is a pigment obtained by cochineal ( scale insects). The insects are dried and processed in industry for dying food. Such a misleading labeling names- why not list as "Ground up red beattles"- that is called clogging!
When I think I was eating my strawberry yogurt containing some ground up insects , no more Yum it is gross! If you are Vegetarian look the labeling for any products which is vibrant in red , pink even purple. If the label contains carmine or any other names think about it.
Apart from insect, it is not dangerous some are allergic that is. I personally feel it is much better than chemical but still cannot accept "insect "why not use natural vegetable beets and grapes for coloring? Why they should tint the strawberry yogurt with carmine? Are we (the consumer) looking more for appealing food than actual taste?

My green mango thokku is not tinted with Carmine for the bright hue, purely bug free. When the mango season pops , this thokku is prepared with sour mango variety. Select a firm green one and taste it , sometimes the green mango is bland in my neck of wood. The quantity of pickle will yield approximately two cups if you are not going to finish pretty quickly -don't reduce the oil noted in my recipe.


Print


 Ingredients:
  • Grated mango: 3 cups or medium size mango
  • Red chilli powder (use the hot and bright colored one): 2 tbsp
  • Sea salt or non iodized salt: 2 tsp
  • Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Gingelly oil/ sesame oil: 1/2 cup
  • Mustard seeds: 3/4 tsp
Roast and ground:

  • Fennugreek seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Hing/asafoetida: 1/2 tsp or a small piece(if you use the block)

Method:
  1. Wash the mango and wipe dry. Peel and grate it.
  2. Heat the oil in wide pan or wok. Add the mustard seeds and wait until they splutter, add the turmeric followed by grated mango. Stir for 4 to 5 minutes, add the chilli powder, salt and mix well. Cover and keep in low flame for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3.  When the mixture ooze out the oil, the mango should be cooked and soft.
  4. Sprinkle the fennugreek & hing powder and switch off the stove.
  5. Let it cool completely and store in dry glass container.


Store in fridge for longer shelf life or if you are willing to finish in a span of week - can be kept outside.





A south Indian favorite to relish this pickle with some cool curd rice in hot summer days. I prefer eating along upma, dosa, stuffed parottas, even spread slightly in sandwich :)


Comments

Manasi said…
oooh! SO mouthwatering! I'm so lovin' this.
Got some 'raw' mango last week, turned out sweet-sour.. I was so disappointed.... and now ur post makes me want to try again!
lata raja said…
excellent read! I am not a pickle eating person, but among the few I might love to make this is best. I love the neatly grated shreds in the picture and the final product!
thats simply gross...am a sucker for everything strawberry but now will definitely check the label before delving in.
the thokku looks awesome. love such easy pickles.
Anonymous said…
Just a suggestion- perhaps you should consider writing in a language you are really comfortable with? It is a little difficult to follow what you are trying to say in your posts!
Sorry if this comes across as rude, but I'm trying to say this in the nicest way possible.

Feel free to delete the comment.

Sally
such a lovely post on the yummy mango pickle! Dont even want to think what all they add to our foods!
anjana said…
very tempting and delicious..I make sweet chutney with grated mango .never tried this way..a must try.loved your post and the beautiful clicks.
Anjana
Sanjeeta kk said…
Aha..this reminds me that mango season is here and I need to make the same..yum..yum..lovely clicks!
sra said…
Your bug-free, green mango thokku is a nice, bright orange-red. Very few elements, quite simple to make and bound to taste good, I'm sure!
Kanan said…
Pickle looks great
Finla said…
Wowo that is one information i didn't know, like you beeing a non veg i don't mind it, but i think it is a pity if pure veggies have the drink..... the recipe sounds yumm , my mouth is wattering, i coudn't see the picture maybe it is my pc. I love the new header.
Pavani said…
mouthwatering thokku.
Cham said…
Anony: I would have considered it if you have left this comment 5 years ago.
Cham said…
Happy Cook: Probably my image transparency gives a problem. So ur firewall blocks my image. I will look if i can change my option.
Unknown said…
Thok ku always brings back memories of my summer vacation of my childhood days..amma always used to make this and vadam during our vacation...
Laavanya said…
I was shocked to find out insects are being used for red dye... :(

This thokku looks absolutely tantalizing.
BongMom said…
Did not know this fact about carmine, what is the reason I am thinking

Your mango thokku is too delicious for words.
very healthy n tasty too..nice one.Book marked.
Maha
ruchikacooks said…
yes yes yes, great with thayir sadam and rava upma and everything, mouth watering urukai :)
Poornima Nair said…
That looks really delicious! Wonderful recipe!
vandana rajesh said…
wow Cham absolutely mouthwatering..just loved the colour and can the tangy taste of raw mango.
Sumi said…
This looks so tempting...As far as pickles are concerned never looked beyond my Narthangai oorugai..
Did u get these Mangoes in the Indian stores?
Pooja said…
my mom makes green mango pickle almost the same way, but it is flavored with cinnamon and other spices and the final taste is sweet anf sour combined. yours looks tempting cham.
Visiting old blog friends is so much fun. Hope you are doing good :)
Namitha said…
Oh, I love this :) Didn't know about carmine or how they use it to color food
Mouth watering pickle !! Love it with curd rice !!
notyet100 said…
Ummm this looks yum,.I luv anything with green mango,..:)
Cham said…
Pooja: Happy 2 hear from u after many years!
Recipeswap said…
Will taste amazing with curd rice I bet!