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Must-Try Amba Recipe

5 from 78 reviews

Must-Try Amba is a tangy and spicy mango-based condiment popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Made with fresh mangoes, dried cayenne peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, fenugreek, and mustard seeds, this sauce delivers a perfect balance of sour, sweet, and heat. It’s easy to prepare by blending fresh ingredients into a smooth puree, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled meats, sandwiches, and snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 2 Fresh mangos, peeled and diced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 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

Liquids

  • ¼ cup Lemon juice
  • ¼ cup Water

Instructions

  1. Preparation of Ingredients: Wash the mangos thoroughly. Peel and dice them into roughly 1-inch chunks, then set aside. If using whole spices, grind the cumin and mustard seeds using a mortar and pestle to release their flavors.
  2. Blending: Place the diced mangos, stemmed dried cayenne peppers, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, water, cane sugar, salt, ground cumin, fenugreek, and mustard seed into a blender or food processor.
  3. Puréeing: Blend the mixture until smooth and consistent. Pause as needed to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired. Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder if you prefer additional heat.
  5. Transfer and Store: Pour the Amba sauce into an airtight container or glass jar, sealing it tightly to preserve freshness.
  6. Refrigeration: Refrigerate the sauce for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce will keep for up to 3 weeks when properly refrigerated.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, you can strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
  • Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of dried cayenne peppers or adding chili powder.
  • Use ripe but firm mangoes for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
  • This sauce pairs excellently with grilled meats, falafel, and sandwiches.
  • Always store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Amba, mango sauce, Middle Eastern condiment, spicy mango sauce, homemade Amba, mango chutney alternative, tangy mango sauce