Amchur (Dried Mango Powder)

Dried mango powder or amchur is made by grinding dried mangoes. This powder has a an acidic, spicy and tart flavour of unripe mangoes. Amchur is sued for flavouring curries, soups, marinades, chutneys and probably a host of other dishes it you tried it out. It is similar to tamarind for imparting a sour flavour. It also has a tenderising quality like lime juice.

Unripe mangoes are peeled and the flesh cut into this slices. These slices are dried in the sun and then packed into gunny sacks where they are sold at market. Amchur can be used in this form but it is also ground to a powder. Some is seasoned with powdered turmeric.

Use amchur instead of tamarind to prepare a sweet and sour dhal/dal or a sambhar/sambar