Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 3 votes

Amba

Amba is a sauce prepared with mango, vinegar and spices, which is used as a condiment in Iraqi and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Rest Time
2 d
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 3 (2-cup / 500 ml) jars
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Middle Eastern , Vegan , Iraqi

Ingredients

  • 4 large mangoes (unripe and firm)
  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 cloves garlic , finely chopped
  • 1 red hot pepper , seeded and diced
  • 2 teaspoons mustard seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons ground fenugreek
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander seeds (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
Equipment
  • Glass jars
  • food processor

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Peel the mangoes, then cut the flesh around the pit.
  2. Cut the flesh into small cubes.
  3. Place the mango cubes in a bowl.
  4. Add salt and stir by hand until all mango pieces are well coated with salt.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 days.
  6. Over medium-low heat, heat the oil in a large pot.
  7. Add the mustard seeds, and when they start to make popping sounds, add the garlic and the red hot pepper.
  8. Sauté until softened, but before browning, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Add the rest of the spices: turmeric, fenugreek, coriander, and Cayenne pepper. Stir and sauté for another minute.
  10. Add the mango, brown sugar and water.
  11. Mix, and increase the heat to medium-high.
  12. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes or until the mango is softened and the liquid has slightly decreased.
  13. Turn off the heat and add the vinegar to the mixture.
  14. Taste and adjust by adding more vinegar, sugar, salt or spices if necessary.
  15. Take half of the mango cubes with a skimmer and set them aside.
  16. Using a food processor, purée the rest and mix it with the reserved mango cubes.
  17. Once cooled, transfer the amba to hermetically sealed glass jars and refrigerate.
  18. Amba can be stored well in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 weeks.