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Experience the unique sweet, sour, and tangy flavors of Odisha with this traditional Ouu Mancha. Made from the exotic elephant apple and rich jaggery, this relish is a festive favorite that pairs wonderfully with rice and dal, offering a true taste of Odia heritage.
Prepare the Elephant Apple (Ouu)
Boil the Ouu Pieces
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Experience the unique sweet, sour, and tangy flavors of Odisha with this traditional Ouu Mancha. Made from the exotic elephant apple and rich jaggery, this relish is a festive favorite that pairs wonderfully with rice and dal, offering a true taste of Odia heritage.
This odia recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 232.86 calories per serving with 1.24g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for side or lunch or dinner.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
Simmer the Chutney
Garnish and Serve
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the tempering for an extra kick of heat.
Add 4-5 chopped and deseeded dates along with the jaggery for a different kind of sweetness and texture.
If you don't have fresh coconut, the dish is still delicious without it. The coconut adds a lovely texture and richness but is not essential.
For a more pungent, traditional flavor, add 1 teaspoon of freshly ground mustard paste in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Elephant apple is known for its digestive properties. The fruit has a cooling effect on the stomach and its high fiber content can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
The spices used, such as turmeric and the components of panch phoron, along with the elephant apple itself, are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Jaggery, an unrefined sugar, retains more minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to white sugar, contributing to your daily mineral intake.
Ouu Mancha is a traditional sweet and sour chutney or relish from the state of Odisha in India. It is made from 'Ouu' (Elephant Apple) and is typically prepared during festive seasons.
The elephant apple has a very hard outer shell. Place it on a stable surface and use a heavy, sharp knife or a traditional Indian 'paniki' (sickle). Strike it firmly in the middle to crack it open. Once open, you can easily separate the inner petals.
Yes, you can substitute sugar for jaggery. However, jaggery provides a distinct, earthy sweetness and caramel-like flavor that is traditional to the dish. If using sugar, you may need to adjust the quantity based on your preference.
You can store Ouu Mancha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors tend to deepen and improve after a day or two.
Ouu Mancha can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Elephant apple is a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Jaggery is a natural sweetener with more minerals than refined sugar. However, it is still a form of sugar, so portion control is key.
One serving of Ouu Mancha (about 1/4 cup) contains approximately 195 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact size of the apple and the amount of jaggery used.