Smokey Summer Cooler

Is it summer already? Well, it sure felt that way this weekend with all the mercury soaring. We were outdoors a lot, on Saturday I had a party for the kids and now Anshul has this gardening project going.

The cat has already damaged 3 of the little tomato seedlings that earned him compliants from his two siblings - yes, the kids call him their brother. Well, he holds his own, he meaaod back and proceeded to go and drink water out of the crystal vase toppling the vase and flowers in the process. I tell you, there is never a dull moment, who needs reality TV.

Anyhow, I picked up some green mangoes from the Indian store. I love using them in all kinds of things. I was however very inspired by this recipe, of aam pora shorbot.

The rock salt in this imparts and accentuates the smokiness of the mango, if you are thinking margarita I am right there with you, I actually added pineapples to sweeten the drink and the marriage of flavors was a very smooth union.

Smokey Summer Cooler

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Makes 6 glasses

Ingredients

2 green mangoes

2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, about 1/2 a fresh pineapple

1 cup ice

1 cup water

1 tbsp black salt

2 tbsp raw turbinado sugar (more to taste)

Method of Preparation

1. Roast the mangoes on an open flame. This is done the same way you would do an eggplant for baigan bharta. This process takes a little time but the results are well worth it. The mango needs to be turned once.

2. Cool the mangoes and peel the skin carefully. Carefully scoop the pulp (this gets pretty soft at this point) into the blender.

3. Add the water and blend into a smooth slushy puree. Pour into glasses and enjoy!