Aamras is a delightful Indian dessert made from ripe mangoes. It’s essentially a mango puree flavored with cardamom and sometimes saffron. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe mangoes (preferably Alphonso or any sweet variety)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for soaking saffron, if using)
- Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the mangoes:
- Peel the mangoes and cut the flesh away from the seed. Chop the mango flesh roughly.
- Blend the mangoes:
- In a blender or food processor, blend the chopped mangoes until smooth. You can add a little water if needed to facilitate blending, but try to keep the consistency thick.
- Add sugar and cardamom:
- Add sugar and ground cardamom to the mango puree. Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the mangoes and your taste preference.
- Soak saffron (optional):
- If using saffron, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes. This will help release the color and flavor of the saffron.
- Mix saffron (if using):
- Add the saffron milk mixture to the mango puree and mix well. This will give the Aamras a beautiful yellow color and a hint of saffron flavor.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the Aamras for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to serve it chilled.
- Garnish (optional):
- Before serving, you can garnish the Aamras with chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews for added texture and flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the chilled Aamras as a dessert or as a side dish with puris. It’s also commonly served with pooris in many Indian households during festivals or special occasions.
Tips:
- Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness and consistency according to your taste.
- You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice if the mangoes are not very tangy.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a little milk or yogurt while blending the mangoes.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Aamras!
