I’m always looking for new flavors and ways to make my usually penchant for “meat and potatoes” just a little healthier. We all know that more fruit and vegetables are good for us but the biggest thing is to make sure that the fruit and vegetables are good.
Over the years I’ve seen all kinds of TV chefs make mango salsa and use it in any number of different dishes. And judges like Padma Lakshmi “oooh and aaah” and talk about the layers of flavor (yeah right—so says the lady who did a sultry ad for Carl’s Jr/Hardee’s).
So recently I decided to go ahead and give it a try. I’ve always kind of hesitated because mangos aren’t necessarily the easiest food in the world to work with because of the pith and they’re so juicy when they’re ripe.
But, let me tell you, it’s worth it. The flavor is fantastic, sweet and tangy at the same time and when combined with some onion and jalapeno and cucumber it creates a fantastic salsa. You can use this on top of grilled meat, as a topping in a taco or burrito, on top or on the side with fish—get creative, this is tasty!.
So here’s a really basic recipe for mango salsa—easy, inexpensive and tasty:
Recipe: Fresh Mango Salsa
Summary: The flavors are fantastic. Fresh mango with cucumber, onion and cilantro. It’s easy and cheap.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe Mango
- 1 cup chopped cucumber (seeds removed
- 1 Fresh Jalapeno pepper—seeded and veined
- ½ cup chopped Red onion
- 1 Clove minced Garlic (or ½ tbsp jarred)
- 2-3 tbsp fresh chopped Cilantro (or 1 tbsp dried & chopped)
- 1 Lime (juice only)
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
Instructions
- Get out a medium bowl, cutting board, chef’s knife, peeler and “juicer”.
- Start by peeling the mango. Then cut lengthwise along the “pith” on each side of the mango (you’ll be able to feel the hardness of it and you won’t be able to cut through it).
- Throw away the pith and the cut the rest of the mango into ½” pieces. Put in the bowl.
- Chop the onion and put in the bowl.
- Chop the jalapeno into ¼” pieces and put in the bowl.
- Peel the cucumber the cut it into chunks, 2-3” long then cut the seeds off and discard and cut the remaining pieces of cucumber into ½” pieces.
- Add the garlic, cilantro, some salt and pepper and give it all a quick stir. Taste it! Add more salt, pepper and sugar if needed.
- Now, add lime juice and taste it again.
- Put bowl into refrigerator for at least ½ hour so it can cool and so that the flavors can marry together. When you take it out of the fridge for serving—taste it again! And adjust seasonings if needed.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Cooking time:
Number of servings (yield): 4
My rating 5 stars: ★★★★★ 1 review(s)
Now isn’t that easy? It takes less than 15 minutes to make and it adds the brightness of summer and the tropics to all kinds of meals. And when you think about it, it’s healthy! It’s all fresh fruit and vegetables.
One mango makes enough for 4 adults to use as a topping or side. Make a double batch and keep the leftovers refrigerated—if you’re like me, you’ll be snitching spoonsful of it whenever your tastebuds get lonely.
The Cheap Bastid Test: Mangos were $.77 each at my grocery store last week and I saw them at 2 for $1 yesterday. You’re using $.50 of cuke, $.15 of jalapeno and $.30 of onion. Add $.25 for garlic and $.15 for a lime (actually they’re 10 for $1 right now). Fresh cilantro will set you back about $.25. So what’s the total? I come up with $2.37 cents. It’s a bargain to your tastebuds, a welcome change with your main course and a healthy salsa.
Give Fresh Mango Salsa a try–and leave me a comment to let me know how you like it! Thanks.
That’s the Cheap Bastid Way: Eat Good. Eat Cheap. Be Grateful!
Only you could get away with a comment like “nummy” or “yummy” without a sound going through my brain like fingernails on a blackboard! Thanks.
Thanks Jo Ellen. Maybe that’s why I’ve been on such a fresh vegetable kick this summer. In the next few days I’ll be doing a post on jicama/zucchini slaw. Tasty, cooling and really healthy. Look for it!
Thanks Kristen. Easy is good. Easy and good is better. Easy, good and cheap is best!