Vadu Manga (Tamil Nadu Pickle)

Ingredients

• •Baby mangoes (vadu manga)
• •Mustard seeds
• •Red chili powder
• •Sesame oil
• •Salt

Steps

1. 1Select firm, unripe baby mangoes with the stem still attached, then wash them well and pat them completely dry with a cloth, since any moisture can cause the pickle to spoil.
2. 2Leave the washed mangoes out to air-dry fully for a few hours, or even a full day, until there is absolutely no surface moisture left.
3. 3In a large bowl, mix red chili powder, mustard powder, and salt together thoroughly.
4. 4Add the dried baby mangoes to the spice mix and toss well, using clean, dry hands to rub the coating evenly into each mango, especially around the stem.
5. 5Pack the coated mangoes tightly into a clean, completely dry glass or ceramic jar.
6. 6Pour sesame oil over the mangoes until they are fully submerged, which protects them from air and moisture.
7. 7Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dry place, shaking or stirring gently once a day for the first week to redistribute the spices and oil.
8. 8Let the pickle mature for at least two to three weeks, tasting occasionally, until the mangoes turn soft and deeply flavored before serving in small quantities alongside rice.