Mango-Cardamon Cake or loaf (eggless)

Mangoes have to be designated the fruit of the Gods.  Sweet, exotic and inimitable in taste and texture. Unfortunately for many people who have left the tropical paradises seeking greener pastures in other countries, the mango if available in stores is always imported.  I modified this recipe from the original so that canned mango pulp replaces the fresh fruit. It worked out beautifully and the cardamon essence complements the mango perfectly to keep the essence of India alive in the cake.
It surprised me to learn that the mango belongs to the same family as the cashew, a little known fact that will entertain most Goans.

This blog is dedicated to all seniors - may they be blessed with companionship and kindness through their golden years.
I will be making this cake for approximately 100 Goan seniors at the West End Seniors Club in Toronto.  It is my mother's turn to host (together with 2 other beautiful ladies), and she enlisted my help.  Hope they all enjoy the cake.  It is a blessing to have our seniors socialize and enjoy themselves at this age - they have earned it! 

Ingredients 

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup fine semolina
1 cup canned mango puree
1/2 cup Sugar
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 tsp Baking soda 
1 tsp Baking powder
1/8 teaspoon Salt
1/2 tsp Cardamom powder

Method

Preheat the oven to 375 F
Line the base of a loaf pan with parchment paper.  Grease the pan and base.

Put the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.  Use a whisk to stir the mixture so that all the ingredients are well blended.

Add the semolina, whisk to mix again and leave aside. 

In a another bowl, add the oil, yogurt, mango pulp, cardamom powder, sugar and mix well. 

Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture in the first bowl.

Mix well until until a thick batter is formed.

Add the walnuts, leaving a few to sprinkle on top of the cake.

Transfer the batter to the cake pan. Top the cake batter with some chopped walnuts (optional) and bake it for 35-40mins.

When done the top will be a nice golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle will come out clean.  Cool it for at least 15 minutes before removing from cake pan.
 

Packaged and ready to go to the "West End Seniors" with love.

Sourced and modified from Litebite.in and Sharmi's Passions