Refreshing Mango Juice

Refreshing Mango Juice

This recipe will yield a smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet mango juice, perfect for a hot day. The image shows some diced mangoes for garnish, which is a lovely addition!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large ripe mangoes (preferably Ataulfo/Honey, Alphonso, or Sindhri/Chaunsa if available, as they are less fibrous and sweeter)
• 1-2 cups cold water (adjust to desired consistency)
• 2-4 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional, depending on mango sweetness and preference)
• 1/2 cup milk or yogurt (optional, for a creamier consistency, as suggested by the image)
• A pinch of salt (optional, enhances sweetness)
• Ice cubes (for serving)
• Fresh mango cubes (for garnish, as seen in the image)

Equipment:

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Blender
• Pitcher (for serving)
• Glasses

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mangoes:

   • Wash the mangoes thoroughly.
   • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the cheeks of the mangoes, avoiding the large flat pit in the center.
   • Score the mango flesh in a crosshatch pattern (without cutting through the skin).
   • Scoop out the diced mango flesh with a spoon into your blender. Alternatively, you can peel the mangoes and then chop the flesh into chunks.
   • Cut any remaining flesh from around the pit and add it to the blender.

2. Blend the Juice:

   • Add 1 cup of cold water to the blender with the mango pulp.
   • If using, add sugar or honey, milk/yogurt, and a pinch of salt.
   • Blend on high speed until completely smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.

3. Chill and Serve:

   • Pour the mango juice into a pitcher.
   • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly, or serve immediately over ice.
   • To serve, pour the chilled mango juice into glasses.
   • Garnish each glass with a few fresh mango cubes, as shown in the picture.

Tips for the Best Mango Juice:

• Choose Ripe Mangoes: The success of your juice depends on the ripeness of your mangoes. They should be soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.
• Strain (Optional): If your mangoes are fibrous, you might want to strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any fibers for an extra smooth consistency.
• Adjust Sweetness: Mangoes vary greatly in sweetness. Always taste your juice before adding sugar or honey.
• Creamy Version: The image suggests a creamy consistency. Adding milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond milk) or a dollop of plain yogurt will give it a thicker, creamier texture, almost like a lassi.
• Add-ins: For an extra kick, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a tiny piece of ginger, or a sprinkle of cardamom powder while blending.