Fajeto is a Gujarati mango curry, a delightful and unique combination of sweet and sour flavors, made with ripe mango pulp and yogurt. It is a seasonal dish savored during the mango season.
Fajeto Recipe
Fajeto is a unique and delightful dish from the Gujarati cuisine of India, known for its innovative use of ingredients and simple yet profound flavors. This dish is particularly popular during the mango season and is a testament to the Gujarati culinary tradition of blending sweet and savory elements.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mango pulp (from ripe mangoes)
- 1 cup Yogurt well-beaten
- 2 tablespoons Gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds (methi)
- a pinch Asafoetida (hing)
- 8-10 Curry leaves
- 2 Green chilies slit
- 1 teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 2 cups Water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Mango-Yogurt Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix the mango pulp, yogurt, and gram flour until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Gradually add water to this mixture and whisk well.
Cook the Mango Mixture:
- In a deep pan, pour the mango-yogurt mixture and cook on a medium flame.
- Keep stirring continuously to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Tempering:
- In a small pan, heat ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
- Add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Sautรฉ for a few seconds.
- Add ginger paste and sautรฉ until the raw smell goes away.
- Pour this tempering over the simmering mango-yogurt mixture.
Seasoning:
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, sugar, and salt to the mixture. Stir well.
- Let it cook for another 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
- Fajeto is traditionally served with steamed rice or as a part of a Gujarati thali.
Tips and Information
Conclusion
Fajeto is more than just a curry; it’s a delightful experience that brings the flavor of mangoes to the forefront in an unexpected and savory way. It’s a perfect representation of the vibrancy and diversity of Indian cuisine and a must-try for anyone looking to explore the unique flavors of Gujarati food. Whether you’re a mango lover or just curious about Indian regional cuisines, Fajeto is a dish that will surely leave a lasting impression.
Tips and Overview
- Consistency: The consistency of Fajeto should be similar to that of a kadhi. Adjust the water accordingly.
- Ripe Mangoes: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. Alternatively, canned mango pulp can be used.
- Yogurt: Make sure the yogurt is not sour, as it will affect the final taste.
- Sugar: Adding sugar is optional and can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the mangoes.
