Kairi ki Mhithi Chutney

Introduction

Originating from Hyderabad and Awadh, Kairi ki Mhithi Chutney, also known as Sweet Green Mango Chutney, is a distinctive preserve made with raw green mangoes, sesame oil, chilli powder, mustard, turmeric, fenugreek, cloves, ginger, and icing sugar. The combination of tart raw mangoes, aromatic spices, sweetness, and a traditional tempering creates a richly flavoured chutney with a balanced sweet, sour, and spicy character.

Historical Relevance

Kairi ki Mhithi Chutney reflects the traditional Indian practice of preserving seasonal raw mangoes with oil, spices, and salt. Associated with the culinary traditions of Hyderabad and Awadh, this preparation combines the sharpness of green mangoes with warming spices and sweetness, creating a distinctive accompaniment that can be enjoyed well beyond the mango season.

Preparing the Main Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 5 medium-sized raw green mangoes, stoned (pitted) and cut into 2.5-mm / ⅛-inch pieces
• 250 ml / 8 fl oz (1 cup) sesame oil
• 6 tablespoons chilli powder
• 150 g / 5 oz (½ cup) salt
• 1½ tablespoons mustard powder
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
• 125 g / 4½ oz (1 cup) icing (confectioners’) sugar

For the tempering:

• 1 dried red chilli
• ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 curry leaves, fried

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped raw mangoes in a large bowl.
2. Put the dried red chilli, mustard seeds, and fried curry leaves for the tempering into a blender and process until ground. Set aside.
3. Heat the sesame oil in a heavy-based pan over medium heat.
4. Add the chilli powder, salt, mustard powder, turmeric powder, fenugreek seeds, ground cloves, chopped ginger, and icing sugar to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
5. Add half of the spiced oil and spice mixture to the chopped mangoes and mix well.
6. Transfer the mango mixture into sterilized jars.
7. Add the prepared tempering to the jars.
8. Pour the remaining spiced oil over the mangoes, making sure the mixture is well covered.
9. Cover the jars tightly with their sterilized lids and keep them in a cool, dry place for 3 days.
10. On the third day, place the sealed jars in a sunny or warm place for about 2 hours.
11. Keeping the lids tightly fitted, carefully turn the jars upside down, then return them to their upright position.
12. Keep the jars tightly closed and store them in a cool place for several months.

Pro Tips

Use firm, fresh green mangoes and cut them into small, even pieces so they absorb the spices and oil uniformly. Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and completely dry before filling them, as moisture can affect the quality of the preserve. Keep the mango pieces well coated with the spiced oil and ensure the jars remain tightly sealed during storage. Handle the hot oil carefully and allow the prepared chutney to develop its flavours during the initial three-day standing period.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kairi ki Mhithi Chutney as a sweet, tangy, and spicy accompaniment with traditional Indian meals, rice dishes, flatbreads, savoury snacks, and rich regional preparations. Its bold raw mango flavour and aromatic spices provide a refreshing contrast to savoury and mildly spiced dishes.

Fun Fact

Kairi ki Mhithi Chutney is a traditional mango preserve that uses a combination of oil, salt, spices, and sugar to help develop and preserve its distinctive flavour. The unusual process of warming the sealed jars and briefly turning them upside down is part of the traditional preparation method, while the chutney can be stored in a cool place for several months.