Amba (condiment)
Amba is a tangy mango pickle condiment popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is typically made from ripe or semi-ripe mangoes, vinegar, salt, mustard, turmeric and chili. The name 'amba' comes from the Sanskrit word 'amra', which means mango.
Origin and History[edit | edit source]
Amba originated in India and was brought to the Middle East by Iraqi Jews in the 1950s. It is a common ingredient in Iraqi cuisine and has since become popular in Israeli cuisine, where it is often served with sabich and falafel.
Preparation and Use[edit | edit source]
To prepare amba, mangoes are first peeled and grated. The grated mango is then mixed with vinegar, salt, mustard, turmeric and chili, and left to ferment for a few days. The resulting condiment is tangy and spicy, with a distinctive yellow color from the turmeric.
Amba is often used as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps, particularly those containing falafel or sabich. It can also be served with grilled meats or used as a dip for bread or vegetables.
Variations[edit | edit source]
There are several variations of amba. In some versions, fenugreek, garlic or ginger may be added. In Yemeni cuisine, amba often includes lemon or lime juice. In Israeli cuisine, a milder version of amba is made using green, unripe mangoes.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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