Crushed mango chutney: A sweet and spicy Kerala side dish for mango season

Mango season in Kerala brings more than just juices, milkshakes and desserts. Across many households, ripe mangoes are also turned into simple side dishes that make the most of the fruit's natural sweetness. One such recipe is this crushed mango chutney, a rustic preparation that combines ripe mangoes with shallots and dried red chillies.

Traditionally made by crushing the ingredients rather than grinding them into a smooth paste, this chutney has a coarse texture and bold flavour. The sweetness of the mango balances the heat of the chillies, while shallots add a savoury edge.

Quick to prepare and requiring only a handful of ingredients, this chutney is a great way to enjoy seasonal mangoes in a form that goes beyond the usual sweet treats.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp coconut oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• 15 dried red chillies
• 1 cup shallots
• 1 cup sliced ripe mango
• ¼ tsp salt

Preparation

• Heat the coconut oil in a pan
• Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter
• Add the dried red chillies and fry for about 2 minutes
• Crush the shallots using a mortar and pestle
• Add the fried red chillies and crush again
• Add the sliced ripe mango and salt
• Continue crushing until the ingredients come together into a coarse chutney
• Serve immediately.