Mango Thokku

If you know me, you know I destroy mango thokku (pickle) the second I see it. I've taken to moderation these days, however, because consumption of mangoes at that rate turned up as heat boils on my face. Yes, nasty, I know :-( The perfect solution to this hit me as I contemplated my daily serving of fruit, which happened to be granny smith apples staring at my face. So here's the original recipe (passed down from my great grandmother-in-law) for the mango thokku, and rest-assured you can substitute the mango for granny smith apples and it still tastes amah-zing!

1. Shred/Grate two raw mangoes and set on a spread out paper towel
2. In a heavy bottomed kadai, heat 4 tbs of sesame oil (this really brings the flavor pop and also preserves the pickle)
3. Add mustard seeds till they crackle, and add 2 tsps of hing/asafoetida (this is the primary heavy flavor) and 1tsp of methi powder
4. Add 5-8 tsps or probably even more of red chilli powder and wait till you can just begin to smell it (this happens really quick, so watch out for it not to burn)
5. Add the shredded/grated mango/granny smith apples to this concoction, toss it till the oil coats everything well and leave open for 2 minutes till the raw smell of the chilli powder completely goes away, add salt.
6. Cover the pan and let the mango absorb the flavor for a quick two minutes
7. Turn your heat to low-medium, and cook off the mangoes till all the water evaporates and the oil finally separates.
8. After the oil separates, combine the ingredients with a quick toss, and let the oil separate again.
When you're sure all the water is gone, transfer it to a container, and leave open overnight so the condensation doesn't get in. When it's at room temp, close it and leave it out - don't refrigerate, it stays good on your counter for months!
I did a quick google search right now, and saw that I wasn't the only one with the apple thokku idea - they all make it different ways, but if ever you have the misfortune of buying granny smith apples for something other than baking - this is great way to get rid of them!