Aam ki Launji

Name: Aam ki Launji
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: north_indian
Ingredients: 400 g raw mango (peeled and cut into small wedges); 120 g jaggery (chopped); 1 tbsp oil; 1 tsp fennel seeds; 0.5 tsp nigella seeds; 1 pinch fenugreek seeds; 1 pinch red chili powder; 1 pinch turmeric powder; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.5 cup water

RATING

4.6/5(98)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

This sweet, tangy, lightly spiced raw mango relish is a classic North Indian side that brightens up everyday meals. The mango softens just enough while jaggery, fennel, and nigella give it that familiar chatpata finish.

PREP

15m

COOK

20m

SERVES

1 KATORI

209 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 7 STEPS

prep
Prepare the mango.
Peel the raw mango and cut it into small thick wedges, discarding the hard seed. Keep the pieces fairly even so they cook at the same pace.
temper · ~1 min
Heat the oil and bloom the whole spices.
1.Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2.Add fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and fenugreek seeds.
3.Cook for a few seconds until fragrant without letting the fenugreek darken too much.
TIPKeep the heat moderate so the fenugreek does not turn bitter.
saute · ~3 min
Coat the mango with the spices.
1.Add the raw mango pieces to the pan and mix well.
2.Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
3.Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently so the mango gets coated with the spiced oil.
simmer · ~8 min
Cook the launji until the mango softens.
Pour in the water, cover, and cook on low heat until the mango is just tender but still holding its shape. Stir once or twice so it does not catch at the bottom.
simmer · ~7 min
Melt in the jaggery and thicken.
Add the chopped jaggery and cook uncovered until it melts and turns into a glossy syrup that lightly coats the mango. The launji will thicken a bit more as it cools.
TIPDo not overcook after adding jaggery, or the syrup can become too sticky.
rest · ~5 min
Cool the launji slightly before serving.
serve
Serve with paratha, poori, or a simple meal.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Choose firm, sour raw mangoes; ripe or semi-ripe mangoes will turn mushy and make the launji overly sweet.
2
Keep the wedges slightly thick and even so they soften without breaking down into a chutney-like texture.
3
Bloom the fennel, nigella, and fenugreek only briefly; burnt fenugreek will make the entire relish taste bitter.
4
Add jaggery only after the mango is nearly tender, or the sugar can slow softening and leave the pieces too firm.
5
Stop cooking when the syrup lightly coats the spoon; it thickens further on cooling and can turn sticky if reduced too much.
6
Let the launji rest for a while before serving so the mango absorbs the sweet-spiced syrup more fully.
7
Store chilled in a clean dry jar and always use a dry spoon to help it keep well for several days.