Dinner

Must-Try Amba Recipe

Name: Must-Try Amba Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 Fresh mangos, peeled and diced; 4 Dried cayenne peppers, stemmed; 2 Garlic cloves, peeled; 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon Fenugreek; 1 teaspoon Mustard seed; 1 tablespoon Cane sugar; 1 teaspoon Salt; ¼ cup Lemon juice; ¼ cup Water

ByMaya Quinn February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

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Introduction

Amba is a vibrant, tangy mango sauce popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its spicy and slightly sweet flavor. This homemade version uses fresh mangoes and a blend of aromatic spices to create a versatile condiment that complements a variety of dishes.

A white round plate holds three pieces of grilled meat arranged around a small white bowl filled with a smooth, creamy yellow sauce speckled with black pepper, placed in the center. The meat pieces have a rich brown color with crisp grill marks and a slightly charred texture, showing a mixture of crispy edges and tender interior. The shiny glaze on the meat reflects light, suggesting juiciness and a well-cooked crust. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 fresh mangos, peeled and diced
4 dried cayenne peppers, stemmed
2 garlic cloves, peeled
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon cane sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fenugreek
1 teaspoon mustard seed

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the mangos, peel them, and dice into roughly 1-inch chunks. If using whole spices, grind cumin and mustard seeds with a mortar and pestle.
Step 2: Add mangos, cayenne peppers, garlic cloves, lemon juice, water, cane sugar, salt, cumin, fenugreek, and mustard seed to a blender or food processor.
Step 3: Blend the mixture until smooth and consistent, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as desired. Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
Step 5: Pour the sauce into an airtight container or glass jar and seal tightly.
Step 6: Refrigerate the sauce and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to develop flavor. It will keep for up to 3 weeks when stored properly.

Tips & Variations

For a milder sauce, reduce the number of cayenne peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
Use fresh ground spices for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a different tangy twist.
If fresh mangoes aren’t available, ripe frozen mango chunks can be used as a convenient substitute.

Storage

Store Amba in a sealed glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 weeks. Before serving, bring to room temperature or gently warm if preferred. Stir before use as the ingredients may settle.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, orange-yellow sauce that is speckled with small black and red seeds, and tiny green herb bits evenly mixed throughout. The sauce surface is glossy and slightly uneven, showing some small bubbles and oil spots on top. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred garlic bulb and a yellow fruit in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use powdered spices instead of whole seeds?

Yes, ground cumin, fenugreek, and mustard seeds can be used directly. However, toasting and grinding whole seeds just before blending enhances the flavor.