MANGO PACHADI WITH AGAVE NECTAR

Mango pachadi is a true delicacy for us. Prepared with unripe mangoes and jaggery, this simple dish is such a relish with just rice and curd or rasam. I tried this pachadi with agave nectar from the request of a friend who was also cutting down her carbs. Initially I thought of adding honey with any sugar substitute for the pachadi but from the diabetic stand-point, though jaggery and honey are considered healthy and wholesome (these do not raise the triglycerides as compared to refined sugar for people with diabetics) but they are still on the high glycemic index range. High glycemic index foods generally raise the blood sugars quickly compared to their counterparts. Agave nectar is a natural sweetener with low glycemic index and the perfect substitute for honey or molasses. I felt this was perfect for this pachadi, moreover the taste of this mango pachadi was as close to the traditional dish made with jaggery. Dear friends, do try this dish with agave nectar and let me know how it turned out for you :)

INGREDIENTS:

1. Unripe mangoes, 2.
2. Agave nectar, any type, darker version gives a good color to the dish, ½ cup or more, depending upon sweetness.
3. Salt, a pinch.
4. Curry leaves, a handful.
5. Red chilies, 1-2.
6. Mustard seeds, ¼ teaspoon

PREPARATION:

Peel the skin off the mangoes and cut into small bite-size pieces. Heat a pan with some oil. Add the mustard seeds when the oil is hot and let them splutter. Then add the red chilies and curry leaves and fry for a few seconds. The chilies can be kept whole or broken according to heat preferences. Then add the mangoes along with salt and enough water to cover the mangoes and cook closed under medium flame for 10-12 minutes until the mangoes are cooked and tender. At this point, add the agave nectar and mix everything well. Cook for 5 more minutes and switch off the stove. Enjoy mango pachadi with any type rice varieties or chapathis.