Perhaps the oldest form of fusion cuisine, Parsi cooking derives its influence and inspiration from British, Portuguese, French, Gujarati and ofcourse Iranian cuisine. As Parsis arrived on the shores of Gujarat to take refuge, we assimilated in the best possible way, by way of food!.

Ambakalyo is one such amazing assimilation. Ambakalyo derives its base from the famous Gujarati Gor Keri nu Athanu (Jaggery & Raw Mango pickle), found in almost all Gujarati homes, an essential accompaniment to their theplas and parathas. This pickle is made by combining spices with molasses, the use of sugar helps in preserving the pickle with uncooked fruit.

Ambakalyo is a sweet and tangy chutney made by the Parsis and is quite similar in concept to the Gor Keri pickle, however it is predominantly made with ripe mangoes and uses very little to no oil in its making. Spice powders used by the Gujaratis are replaced with whole fragrant spices, but the sweetness comes from the same source i.e Gor or Jaggery.

Made exclusively during the mango bearing summer months, this particular relish is a staple at Khushali na Gambhars along with masala dal, brown rice, kevab (meatballs), kachumbar  and papeta ma gos (meat with potatoes). Gambhars for the uninitiated is a time for gathering of both food and people. Fasting has no place in Zarathusti tenets and scholars believe that our prophet laid an obligation on his followers to celebrate all seasons in remembrance of our creator.

It is believed that the aroma of good food attracts spiritual beings and that during the high feats or Gambhars, both spiritual and physical beings together partake the spread laid out.

Without further banter then, a recipe for Ambakaliyo is as follows.