Aam Ras Pakora

          A summer without mangoes is meaningless unless you try out something new with it. So this season, I bring to you AAM RAS PAKORA, a new mango dessert which is sure to get your senses tingling. The dish involves pakoras or fritters made of mango scoops prepared in a paniyaram (appe) chatti, served chilled in a bowl of aam ras (mango pulp).

          Aam Ras is very popular in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra especially, where it is enjoyed plain or with poori. My recipe has tweaked this age old delicacy just a bit, to give it an innovative kick. So add some adventure to your summer and do give Aam Ras Pakora a try. I'm sure you will not be disappointed. 

• 1-2 Alphonso mangoes
• 1/3 cup chickpea flour
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 2 tsp. powdered sugar or to taste
• 2 tsp. ghee 
• chopped pistachio, dry rose petals & pinch of cardamom powder to garnish

          Take out few scoops from one mango and keep aside. Puree the remaining mango and refrigerate till serving time.

          In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, sugar and cardamom powder with some water to make a batter of pouring consistency.

          Grease a paniyaram chatti with some ghee. Now dip the mango scoops in the prepared batter and fry them in the chatti till light brown. Drain and keep aside. 

          To serve - ladle some mango pulp / puree in individual glasses or glass bowls and top it with 2-3 pakoras. 

          Garnish with chopped pistachios, dry rose petals and cardamom powder. Enjoy this chilled  dessert as and when desired.