Mango Salsa
One of the many things I love about New York is being able to buy fresh produce from street vendors. While there are countless restaurants and bodegas, there really isn't an overwhelming amount of fast food here. Instead, we're able to walk the streets of Manhattan and purchase a healthful snack from an umbrella covered cart. There are even vendors who specifically slice and sell fresh mango in conveniently located spots such as on the Brooklyn Bridge.
There's nothing like fresh fruit on a hot summer day. I can't even choose a favorite as I love it all - mango, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries - you name it.
I tend to buy more fruits and veggies than I can eat before they spoil. Most of the time I rinse, chop and freeze the remainders before this happens. Frozen produce can then be used in smoothies in place of ice cubes. This time, rather than freezing my ripe mango, I looked through the fridge for other produce needing to be used. Behold - the ingredients for mango salsa.
With tomorrow being Labor Day, bring this easy and delicious salsa as the perfect compliment to your favorite grilled fare.
MANGO SALSA
Ingredients:
1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Rinse, peel and dice all ingredients
Mix together in a large bowl
Top with fresh cilantro; the more the merrier
Serve
Eat straight outta the bowl, serve with tortilla chips or pair with grilled chicken, shrimp or white fish (tilapia, mahi-mahi, cod, etc).
It doesn't get much easier! Of course you could buy the mango pre-sliced but you'll pay more for convenience. If you have lemon or lime juice concentrate in the fridge, I suggest tossing immediately. They have a distinct chemical taste due to the preservatives and personally bring back bad memories of too many cocktails. Yuck! Fresh lemons and limes are affordable and you really can taste the difference. Homemade salsa shouldn't taste artificial; don't ruin it with such a simple thing.
Facts:
The plural of mango is "mangos" OR "mangoes"
Grown in tropical climates but can be imported year-round
Mangos are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, including potassium, Vitamins A, C and B6.
Although high in fructose, don't fear the sugar in fresh fruit! More on sugar here
Prefer tomatoes over mangos? Make traditional guacamole instead.
Enjoy!
Mallory
