Green Mangoes during a White Winter

When completely immature and unripe - a bit like Cafe Drake ourselves- mangoes are far from the sweet, orange-fleshed fruit so most commonly consumed. Maybe because we tend to favor the tart and pungent (literally and metaphorically) over sugary sweetness, Cafe Drake is fully embracing the assertive citrus notes of the green mango this cold and snowy winter. Just peel one to discover the potent floral scent and then slice thinly and season with a bit of salt and red chili pepper for a tongue-tingling, frisky snack.

If green mangoes prove difficult to find in your area, head to the nearest Asian or Indian food market where they will most certainly be available. Barring a specific trek to track down the unripened fruit, most supermarkets will have a few on offer that are still quite green. Choose the brightest green and firmest specimens and proceed with recipes as below.


CHICKEN WITH GREEN MANGO

If you don't have curry leaves or nigella seeds on hand, proceed without them but consider ordering the seeds online or searching for them at the nearest Indian grocer.

• Peel and remove the seed from 1 green mango. Revel in the heavenly scent reminiscent of Guerlain's classic and citrusy Eau de Savage.
• Place chicken cubes (from 2 boneless, skinless breasts) in a round dish and add a teaspoon of black onion seeds (also called nigella) , a T. or so of chopped ginger, 2 cloves of garlic (chopped), a t. of cayenne pepper, a healthy dash of turmeric, about a t. of salt and 2 t. of coriander powder.
• Mix the spices into the chicken and add half the mango slices to this mixture as well.
• In a medium saucepan, heat up 2 T. of vegetable oil and fry 2 sliced onions until golden brown.
• Add the 5-10 curry leaves.
• Gradually add the chicken pieces, stirring all the time.
• Pour a cup or so of water, lower the heat up and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the water has been absorbed.
• Add the remaining mango slices, 1 chopped tomato, a few sliced green chillies and some chopped cilantro.
• Serve hot with basmati rice. (Red) lentils or curried chickpeas makes a good side dish.
  

FRESH GREEN MANGO TEA

Sounds odd but watch how quickly you become addicted to this mouthwatering tonic of a beverage.

Peel and grate 1 green mango after removing the seed. Simmer the grated fruit with 4 cups of water for 10 minutes.

Add brown sugar to taste and about a tablespoon of fresh lime juice.

Strain, cool and sip.