Summer Mango Smoothies

Healthy Mango Smoothies 

The king of fruits comes in many varieties and is consumed both when it is unripe and ripe. Unripe mango pieces with skin are used in making pickles. Grated mangoes are used in making pickles, salads, mango pachadi, fruit platters etc. Raw mango juice is a refreshing summer drink. Ripe mango juice is used to prepare lassi, shakes, smoothies, ice creams, muffins and jams. Chopped or sliced mango pieces are added to breakfast bowl of cornflakes and oats along with other fruits. Mango pulp can be used as a topping for desserts. Always pick mangoes without blemishes and with firm skin. Mango has high iron content and phenols high in antioxidants. Mangoes are a rich source of Vitamins A and E. They are also high in calorie and carbohydrates.

Here are a few recipes of easy-to-prepare delicacies with mango.

Mango Lassi

 Ingredients

Half cup plain yogurt
Half cup milk
1 cup chilled chopped ripe mangoes (peeled and chopped)
Half cup ice cubes
A pinch of cardamom powder
4 or 5 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)

Method

Combine mango, yogurt, milk, ice cubes, sugar, and cardamom powder in a blender for two minutes till the mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour equal quantities into glasses and serve immediately. The lassi is better if mangoes are not fibrous. Adjust ingredients quantities depending on sweetness of mango and thickness of the curd.

Mango Kheer

 

Ingredients

6 ripe mangoes
3 cups finely grated jaggery
4 cups of thick milk of coconut
2 tsp cardamom powder
4 tbsp ghee

Method

Add jaggery to water and prepare a syrup. Now peel and slice mangoes. Cook them in a little water till their pulp becomes soft and smooth. Now add the jaggery syrup and continue cooking till it is thick. Add a little bit of ghee frequently. Pour coconut milk and allow it to simmer till thick and done. Sprinkle cardamom powder over it. Serve it hot or cold.

Mango Ice Cream

 

Ingredients

2 ripe mangoes peeled and chopped
2 to 3 tbsp sugar
Half tin condensed milk
2 cups milk
2 tbsp whipped cream
A few mango pieces

Method

Blend mangoes with sugar into a puree. In a big bowl combine the puree, condensed milk and milk. Mix well and blend in a mixer. Add the whipped cream into the mixture and mix well. Pour into a dish with tight fitting lid. Cover and place in the freezer for two hours. After two hours, take out the mixture from the freezer and blend again till it is smooth and creamy. Mix in mango pieces. Transfer it again to the dish. Cover and freeze till it is firm. Scoop and serve.

Mango Fruit Platter

 

Ingredients

2 ripe mango peeled and cut into pieces
Half of a small papaya, cut into pieces
1 orange peeled and cut in sections
1 cup seedless grapes
1 banana sliced
2 cups vanilla ice cream
A handful of mixed chopped nuts for garnishing

Method

Blend ice cream and mango pulp in a blender. Combine all fruits with ice cream and mango mixture and mix well. Divide equal quantities into serving bowl. Garnish with chopped nuts. Serve chilled.