Guyanese mango sour recipe - Stovetop & Instant pot

The perfect sauce mixed with sour and savory, great for dipping all of your savory foods. A combination of mango with fresh herbs and spices. It's a simple, flavorful process that promises a jar of homemade goodness at the end. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.

   


I love a good sauce or condiment.

I have them made and stored in my fridge for heavy rotation. From chow chow to tamarind sauce. But a nice good mango sour is also a must.

Guyanese Mango Sour, is a vibrant and flavorful condiment that's about to revolutionize your taste buds! A burst of tangy and spicy goodness that elevates any dish it touches. This Guyanese delight takes center stage with its main act: green mangoes, providing that perfect tartness that's the heart and soul of this condiment.

Perfect to pair with some pholourie or even a dollop in an aloo pie.

This is the dip you need to try.

   

What is Mango Sour and what does it taste like?

Mango sour is a tangy and spicy Guyanese condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Its main ingredient is green mangoes, which are used in their unripe state to achieve a tart and sour taste. Along with the mangoes, a variety of herbs and spices are added to create a distinct flavor profile of mango sour.

The traditional mango sour recipe includes ingredients like cloves of garlic, scotch bonnet pepper or other spicy hot peppers, and white vinegar. Fresh herbs such as culantro or parsley are also commonly used to enhance the flavor. The mangoes are typically peeled and grated or finely chopped using a food processor or a potato masher.

This is a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways. It can be served as a dipping sauce or as a side to accompany snacks like cassava balls or potato balls. It can also be used as a marinade or added to soups and stews to give a delightful tangy kick.

So, why not give mango sour a try and add a dash of Guyanese flavor to your meals?

Mango sour ingredients

To make Mango Sour, you will need a handful of key ingredients.

   

• First and foremost, you'll need some delicious mangoes. The best type of mango to use can depend on your personal preference. If you're looking for a tangy and sour sauce, opt for green mangoes. On the other hand, if you prefer a little sweeter version, half-ripe mangoes (still more on the green side) will do the trick.

• Next, you'll need some heat to give that extra kick using hot peppers. The traditional choice for this condiment is wiri wiri peppers. However, if you can't find it you can substitute for scotch bonnet peppers. or with red chili peppers.

• To balance out the flavors and enhance the tanginess, you'll need the right vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the preferred choice, as it adds a hint of sweetness to the overall taste. However, if you don't have apple cider vinegar on hand, any neutral vinegar will work just fine.

With these key ingredients in place, you're well on your way to creating a delectable Mango Sour. So gather your ingredients and let's get ready to enjoy this delightful sauce.

The best mango to use for mango sour

When making anything with mango, from sour to mango juice to chow, choosing the right mangoes is crucial. The perfect fresh mango for this tangy Guyanese condiment is a combination of really green and half-ripe mangoes. Look for mangoes with lots of green color in the skin and a firm texture.

Green mangoes provide a tart and sour taste that is essential for the Mango Sour. They should be hard and unripe, as soft or sweet mangoes may require the addition of white vinegar to achieve a sour and acidic taste.

To select the best mangoes, gently squeeze the mangoes and avoid those that are soft or mushy. Look for firm mangoes that give a little when squeezed. Additionally, make sure the skin has a vibrant green color and no black spots.

When mashing the cooked mango sour in the Instant Pot, you can use a potato masher to achieve a chunkier consistency or a food processor for a smoother texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, pulse the mixture for a longer time in the food processor. Experiment with different consistencies to find the one you enjoy the most.

Remember, using the best mangoes will result in a delightful sauce that perfectly complements a variety of dishes.

How to make Guyanese mango sour

On the stovetop

Making mango sour on the stovetop is a simple and flavorful process. Here's how to prepare this delightful sauce:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You will need your green mangoes, peeled and diced, garlic, chopped, hot pepper, sugar, vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar), chadon beni, and lime or lemon juice.
   
   
   
2. Bring to a rapid boil: In a medium-sized pot, combine all the ingredients, add water, lime juice, and vinegar, and bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium heat.
   
   
       
   
   
   
   
   
3. Simmer until mango softens: Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mangoes have softened.
   
   
   
4. Mash or pulse for desired consistency: Remove the pot from heat and use a potato masher or a food processor to mash or pulse the mixture until you achieve your desired consistency. Some prefer a smoother sauce, while others enjoy a chunkier texture.
   
      
   
   
   
   
   
5. Cool and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mango sour cool to room temperature. Once it's cooled, transfer it to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to intensify. 

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy the tangy and spicy goodness of homemade Guyanese Mango Sour right from your stovetop.

Instant pot mango sour

To make delicious mango sour in the Instant Pot, follow these simple steps:

1. Place the diced mangoes, water, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, and salt into the Instant Pot.
2. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
3. Select the "manual" function and set the timer for 5 minutes on manual high pressure.
4. After the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
5. Open the Instant Pot and use a potato masher or a food processor to mash the mangoes until the desired consistency is achieved.
6. Allow the Mango Sour to cool completely before transferring it to a jar or container for storage in the refrigerator.

Mango Sour can be enjoyed as a dipping sauce for snacks, or as a condiment for various dishes.

   

The best way to store mango sour

To store mango sour, it is important to ensure its freshness and longevity. After preparing this delightful sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a sealed jar or container. Place the jar in the refrigerator to maintain its quality and prevent any spoilage.

Storing mango sour in a sealed jar helps to preserve its flavors and aroma. The sealed container will prevent any unwanted odors or flavors from seeping into the sauce. This way, you can enjoy the true taste of mango sour every time you use it.

When placing the jar in the refrigerator, make sure to seal the container properly. The cold temperature of the refrigerator slows down the growth of bacteria and helps to maintain the freshness of the mango sour.

Mango sour can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. It is always recommended to check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or discoloration, before using it. If the sauce shows any signs of spoilage, it is best to discard it.

I also suggest using a clean plastic spoon to take out some sauce and do not double dip.

Once you follow these storage steps, you can enjoy this tangy and flavorful Guyanese condiment for an extended period. Whether you use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite snacks or as a delightful addition to your dishes, mango sour will surely enhance your culinary experience.

Recipe variations

Want to elevate your mango sour experience? Try these recipe variations to add a twist to this delicious Guyanese condiment.

• Sugar or no Sugar: Adjusting the sweetness of mango sour is completely up to personal preference. If you prefer a tangier and less sweet version, you can omit the sugar altogether. This variation enhances the natural tartness of the green mangoes, giving you a refreshing and zesty flavor.

• Spicier sauce: If you love heat, kick up the spice level of your mango sour by adding more hot peppers like scotch bonnet or wiri wiri peppers. These fiery chili peppers will give your sauce a bold and intense kick, perfect for those who enjoy a spicy punch. You can also just use some pepper sauce. 

• Natural Sweetness: Looking for a sweeter mango sour without adding extra sugar? Opt for using ripe mangoes instead of green ones. Ripe mangoes bring a naturally sweet and tropical flavor to the sauce, balancing the tanginess with a delightful hint of sweetness.

Experiment with these recipe variations to customize your mango sour to your liking. Whether you prefer it tangy, sweet, or spicier, these modifications will surely enhance the flavors and make your mango sour an even more delightful sauce to enjoy.

   

What to eat with mango sour?

Mango sour is a versatile condiment that pairs excellently with a wide range of foods, especially fried appetizers. Whether you're enjoying fish cakes, crispy plantain chips, or even savory potato balls, mango sour adds a tangy and zesty kick that enhances the flavors of these tasty treats.

This delightful sauce is not limited to just fried foods though. It can be enjoyed as a dipping sauce for popular cassava egg balls. The combination of the tartiness from the green mangoes and the spiciness from the hot peppers creates a perfect harmony of flavors that elevates these street food classics.

Furthermore, mango sour is a favorite addition to meal favorites. Whether it's a snack break or lunchtime, a generous drizzle of mango sour on a plate of spicy fried chicken takes these dishes to a whole new level. The sour taste of the sauce perfectly complements the savory and spicy elements in these dishes, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite and the perfect balance of all flavors.

Mango sour is more than just a good condiment. It is a versatile companion for a wide variety of snacks, fried appetizers, and street food favorites.

Its tangy and zesty flavors make it the perfect dipping sauce for both savory and spicy dishes, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.

So, grab a jar of mango sour and get ready to explore a new dimension of flavor!

Check out some other Caribbean condiments:

These are must-make things that can top just about anything.

• Garlic sauce
• Chadon beni sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Pineapple chutney

And if you love mango, make sure you make these too:

• Mango juice
• Mango ice cream
• Mango passion fruit juice