Raw Mango Water Pickle

This is a delicious pickle that needs no tedious process to complete and enjoy.  However it is guaranteed to bring back childhood memories for anyone who grew up with Goan cuisine.  I remember eating this with plain rice and curry when I was a child.  The pickles came from a carefully guarded stash of products my mother would bring from Goa to Africa, or from a parcel that would have been lovingly sent to her from her mother and sister in Goa.

I have always had a fondness for sour items so it is no secret that I favored this pickle over all others.  The simple ingredients in this pickle leave the integrity of the mango flavors intact and it is mild enough for children to enjoy.

I used the green Serrano chillies that I had grown in a pot this summer on my patio.  They have a nice flavor and are not too hot.  One of the pleasures of growing your own produce is to pluck the fruit, herb or vegetable and use the fresh ingredients in your cooking.

Ingredients 

About 3 small green mangoes washed well
2 green Serrano chillies
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups boiled and cooled water
1 tablespoon of white vinegar (optional)
A pinch of sugar ( about 1/8 teaspoon)

Method

Cut the cheeks of the mango away from the seed. Save the seed to make a curry later . You can freeze it until then.

Thinly slice the mango with the skin on until both cheeks are sliced.

I cut the chilly in half because it was very long, however if your chillies are the height of the bottle you are using you can slit it in half lengthwise.  If you want the pickle to be mild, remove the seeds from the chilly and discard them.

Next fill the clean sterilized bottle with the mango slices standing up. Put the chilly in the jar and pack with remaining slices.

 Fill a jug with the water and add the remaining ingredients.  Stir well till the salt and sugar are dissolved and the solution is clear.

Pour the liquid into the bottle gently until about 1/4 inch from the lip of the bottle. Cover and store in the refrigerator,  It will taste better after a few days as the flavors all get incorporated.