by Renu Chhabra
Ponder well on this point: the pleasant hours of our life are all connected by a more or less tangible link, with some memory of the table.–Charles Pierre Monselet
Summer afternoon and a glass of cold milkshake! Mango milkshake. Something I am always ready for. Why wouldn’t I be? It brings back memories of my childhood — fun and comforting memories.
Growing up in India, summer meant boxes of mangoes showing up in our house throughout the season. Not just one or two varieties, but several of them. Different sizes, tastes, and textures to relish, and we all had our own favorite.
It was the summer fruit to indulge in — messy but syrupy sweet and wonderfully juicy. Most of all, it was fun to sit around the table; and enjoy this tropical fruit and celebrate the season.
And with such abundance pouring in, we were treated with mango ice cream, mango custard, mango salad, and not to forget mango milkshake, the simplest of all for warm summer days. Simple because it can be put together in no time.
Its creamy texture and sunshine yellow color always lifts my spirits. Simply said, it’s a happy reminder of my childhood. Little moments that enable us to travel miles away!
I have accented the mango shake with cardamom in this recipe. Cardamom, as I call the soul of Indian desserts. Just a hint of it makes the recipe sing fragrant notes. A little goes a long way; otherwise it gets bitter. Like we say, “Too much of a good thing can be bad.”
I used honey as sweetener, but you can use sugar or agave to taste. The amount will also depend on the sweetness of the mango.
Recipe for Mango Milkshake
Ingredients
Makes 2 servings 1 large ripe mango, diced medium (approximately 2 cups) and chilled11/2 cups milk, chilled
1 tablespoon honey or to taste
1 cardamom pod, crushed fine
1 cup ice
Instructions
- Pulse mango in a blender a couple of times.
- Add rest of the ingredients, and blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
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June 10, 2013
I love mangoes and just love this milkshake. It reminds me of my dad, he used to make this often for us when we were growing up. But I don’t think he added cardamom, which I think gives it an interesting twist. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
June 12, 2013
Hello, I read your blogs daily. Your writing style is awesome, keep
it up!
June 30, 2013
Mangoes are such a wonderful choice for sweet cravings without the addition of extra sugar. I enjoy mango shake a lot specially when they are in season and full of flavor and natural sweetness. Give it a try. Hope you like it.
June 30, 2013
Thanks Betty Ann. It’s amazing how food connects us on a deeper level than just feeding our bodies. I too have a lot of childhood memories associated with enjoying mangoes in summer with my family. Cardamom is my twist to this shake. I think it complements the fruit.
Take care.