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

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

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

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

• List of condiments
• List of pickles
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Israeli cuisine
• Iraqi cuisine