Once again, I went calling on my good friend a couple blocks away. I’ve an open visit policy to her home. And, by golly, lately, I’ve been making use of the invite. Gosh, I hope she doesn’t change her mind. You see, mango season is in full bloom. And, although I don’t consume the mangoes the way others do in their natural form, I love to transform and add them to an assortment of dishes.
Years ago when my friend bought her property, she hired a landscaper with a brilliant green thumb. His name is Johnny and he’s responsible for planting the mango tree which yield the yearly crop of sweet and juicy mangoes. She nick-named the tree ‘Old Faithful’.
My friend wasn’t home, but, her gardener who I met on a couple of occasions was present. He was busily pruning the rose bushes. Without hesitation he came to the front of the property. And, as soon as he recognized me uttered, “Good morning. I’ve something for you.” With beads of sweat on his brow, he smiled and handed me a brown baggie. I thanked him and went on my merry way.
I couldn’t wait to pry the bag open. Obviously, my dear friend had instructed him to pick me the mangoes. Before opening the bag, already I could smell the aromatic odors. Just viewing and smelling the specimens placed my brain and palate on overdrive. Immediately, I knew what I had to create.
I like my mangoes when they are chilled. So, when I got home I rinsed and placed them in the refrigerator. I had it all figured out. I decided on a tasty and spicy mango salsa. Thankfully, I didn’t have to venture out to shop for the ingredients that I would add to my mango salsa.
Ingredients
- Mango (1)
- Jalapeno pepper (1)
- Red bell pepper (wedge)
- Avocado (1/4)
- Lime (1tsp)
- Lemon (1tsp)
- Salt/pepper
- Green onion (1 stalk)
- Cilantro
I chopped and placed all the ingredients in a bowl. Then, I added a pinch of salt and pepper. Lemon and lime juice were then drizzled over the chopped ingredients. Before serving, I allowed mango salsa to sit for at least 30 minutes so as to get all the connected in a rather intimate way. Yum, yum!
Ideally, mango salsa can be served with tortilla chips as an appetizer. Or, it can be used as a great side dish to a fish or chicken meal.
Guys, as always, be kind to your loved ones and to your beautiful palates. Do make this recipe your very own. The sky is the limit. Maybe, you could add toasted coconut or even tomatoes.