Mango Galette & A Creamy Mango Cooler
making the most of the juiciest mangoes for some summer recipes
Welcome back to Sweet Things! Thank you for subscribing and joining the party. If you like sweet things, you’re in the right place. For those wanting a bit extra or are looking for ways to support my work, then consider becoming a paid subscriber. You get extra recipes and monthly round ups with some of my favourite sweet things and recommendations.
I was born and raised in South London and still live here. It truly is the best place in London and I won’t hear otherwise. I’m based quite close to Tooting which is known for it’s large South Asian community. This is wonderful for multiple delicious reasons but around this time of year, when mango season is in full swing, it means I’m only 15 minutes away from a box of the best Indian and Pakistani mangoes. A quick jaunt up the high street and you’ll spot street corners set up with little tables heaving with boxes of mangoes of all varieties. There’s often a white van close behind; it’s doors flung open and filled with even more boxes ready to restock. Last week, I stopped by to pick up a box from a man called Khan who can usually be found on the corner of Letchworth Street, right next to Ambala Sweets. He claims to be the best mango seller in all of Tooting, a claim that I can’t verify but going off his confidence alone, I’m inclined to believe him.
There’s always lots of buzz around the ever popular Alphonso mango but I do actually prefer the Kesar variety. I love how sweet they are and find them a little more acidic. Alphonso mango season is coming to an end but both are delicious and x1000 better than what you’d pick up at a supermarket so if you can get your hands on any, you’re in for a treat.
This week, I’m bringing you two mango based recipes. The sun has finally decided to make an appearance in the UK and to get us all in the summer mood, I’ve got a recipe for a refreshing mango drink. Inspired by the flavours of a mango Solero ice lolly (a top 3 ice cream choice) it’s made with blitzed kesar mangoes, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla and lots of ice before being topped with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect mix of fruity and creamy and refreshing without being sickly. I’m still not sure what to call it though. It’s not quite a lassi, nor a smoothie, nor a milkshake. And calling it ‘mango drink’ feels intensely underwhelming. I’ve landed on ‘cooler’ to convey the refreshing vibe so let’s go with that.
For paid subscribers, I’ve also got a gorgeous recipe for a mango galette/tart. It’s made with a base of really buttery, flaky pastry and piled high with mango custard, fresh mangoes and pistachios. A little messy to eat but aren’t all the best things?
I hope you’re able to hunt down some juicy mangoes this week and have a go at these recipes. And if that’s still not enough, here’s a link to my Mango & Tajin Semifreddo recipe over on The Guardian.
Enjoy!
Benjamina x
CREAMY MANGO COOLER
I strongly believe all summer beverages should be easy to make. Just add everything to a blender, blitz and serve. You can tweak this as you go - if you want it more slushy like, just add a bit more ice. I’ve also tried this with a sprinkle of tajin on top to serve and it gave a perfect savoury kick.
RECIPE
350g chopped ripe mangoes (kesar if you can get them!)
150g condensed milk
180ml evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
a large handful of ice
150ml double cream
METHOD
Add the chopped mangoes to a blender. Pour in the condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, pinch of salt and ice. Blend until thick and smooth.
Lightly whip the double cream in a bowl until it’s just thickened with soft peaks.
Pour the drink into glasses and top with a dollop of cream.
MANGO CUSTARD & PISTACHIO GALETTE
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Sweet Things to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.