Aam Pora Anarosher Shorbot – Smoky Green Mango and Pineapple Cooler
Is it summer already? Well, it sure felt that way this weekend with all the mercury soaring. I have nabbed some green mangoes, and plan on putting them to good use. Will be making my age old variation of the Bengali Green Mango cooler. I have a variation to the classic green mango cooler that I add some pineapple juice to. Hence Aam Pora Anarosher Shorbot. The drink gets its signature taste from charring the outside of tart green mangoes. Charring is called pora in Bengali. Mangoes are Aam. Hence Aam Pora. It is not always possible to find loads of green mangoes. So using some pineapple juice adds a little bulk and keeps with the flavors of the recipe. My Smoky Green Mango and Pineapple Cooler has survived so many years of taste testing.
The Story of the Smoky Green Mango and Pineapple Cooler.
We were outdoors a lot, on Saturday I had a party for the kids and now Anshul has this gardening project going. The cat has already damaged 3 of the little tomato seedlings. This resulted in complaints from his two siblings – yes, the kids call him their brother. Well, he holds his own! He meao-ed back and proceeded to go and drink water out of the crystal vase. The result is toppling the vase and flowers in the process. I tell you, there is never a dull moment in my house. No reality TV here.
Summer reminds me of cooling drinks and smokey green mangoes, it is a Bengali thing! The last time I visited in summer, I picked up some of the tart and firm unripe mangoes to make this smoky cooler, trying to recreate it at home was not quite the same, it’s mostly about the quality of the mangoes we find.
Anyhow, I picked up some green mangoes from the Indian store. I love using them in all kinds of things. I was however very inspired by this recipe, of aam pora shorbot.
The rock salt in this imparts and accentuates the smokiness of the mango, if you are thinking margarita I am right there with you, I actually added pineapples to sweeten the drink and the marriage of flavors was a very smooth union.
A modified rendition of the classic Bengali cooler, called Aam Pora Shorbot, or Smoked Mango Cooler.
Ingredients
- 2 green mangoes
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, about 1/2 a fresh pineapple
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp black salt
- 2 tbsp raw turbinado sugar (more to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the mangoes on an open flame. This is done the same way you would do an eggplant for baigan bharta. This process takes a little time but the results are well worth it. The mango needs to be turned once.
- Cool the mangoes and peel the skin carefully. Carefully scoop the pulp (this gets pretty soft at this point) into the blender.
- Add the water and blend into a smooth slushy puree. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
karim
Absolutely! The essence of a perfect smoky greenMango cooler lies in the unique flavor of Bengali mangoes. Recreating the experience at home showcases the importance of sourcing top-quality, tart unripe mangoes for that authentic taste of summer nostalgia. It’s a delightful reminder of the cultural connection intertwined with seasonal treats