AAVAKAYA

  

Aavakaya,the very name itself tantalizes every Andhrite. This is a very famous pickle from andhra. Pickles are generally prepared once or twice in a year and are stored yearlong. Aavakay is one such pickle prepared in the hot summer when raw mangoes are available abundantly. Since raw mangoes are available in market throughout the year we can prepare the pickle when ever we want to. But the mangoes pickled in summer tastes awesome and retain all through the year.So if u want to prepare larger amount of pickle do it in summer.

INGREDIENTS

• mangoes(big)               25
• salt                              3/4 kg
• chilly powder               1/2 kg
• paprika                        100gms
• gingilly oil(sesame)      1.75 liter
• mustard powder          1.5 cups
• garlic cloves                100 gms
• turmeric                      50 gms

PROCEDURE
Wash the mangoes and wipe them thoroughly and let dry completely.Now cut them into 1 inch pieces and keep them aside. Now mix all the dry ingredients salt,red chilly powder, paprika, mustard powder and turmeric in a large bowl. Add the mango pieces and mix well. Now slowly add 1 1/2litre of gingilly oil and mix thoroughly. Close with the lid and let sit for 1 to 2 days. By now oil should come on the top.Oil coming to the top depend on how sour the mangoes are. At this point add the remaining oil if needed and then add garlic cloves.Also check for salt and add it if required. Again marinate for one more day and now ur aavakaya is ready to have with pappu and ghee.......andhra style.
TIPS

• The more the pickle is marinated the more it tastes.
• Use salt without iodine so that the pickle lasts longer.
• Never store pickles (even for days) in steel containers. Use glass or porcelain jars.
• The harder the mangoes the more is the retain ability of pickle.