Curd rice and mango
| Photo Credit: Prabalika M Borah
When mango season arrives, Indian dining habits undergo a dramatic shift. Such is the love for the fruit that people find countless ways to weave it into their meals. And this affection goes well beyond eating mangoes as they are, or enjoying them in shakes and lassis. In many homes, ripe mangoes become an accompaniment to a meal. Some may call it laziness; mango lovers will insist it is simply the best way to maximise mango consumption. Here are a few combinations I have come across:Curd rice and mangoI had often heard that this was a beloved summer pairing in Telugu households but never tried it until restaurateur Sampath Tumula of Spicy Venue served it during a special menu celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and legendary actor NT Rama Rao. Apparently, it was one of his favourite ways to end a summer meal. The sweetness of ripe mango paired with soft, seasoned curd rice makes perfect sense once you try it.Dal, rice and mangoMany Assamese households will relate to this combination. A typical summer meal can consist of masoor dal, steamed rice, potato mash and mango. If the mango happens to be the Langra variety, it elevates the meal further. “Meal prep during mango season is a no-brainer because of this combination. And no one complains about the repetition because no one says no to mango,” says Sanjukta Das, a home chef.
