Mango-neem pacchadi

Ingredients (for 2 people)

1) A little oil

2) Mustard seeds

3) 1-2 dry, red chillies

4) 2 raw mangoes, peeled and grated

5) Fresh/dry neem flowers

6) Jaggery to taste

7) Salt to taste

Method:

1) Heat the oil in a kadhai, and add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter. Then break the dry, red chillies into pieces and add. Fry it for a short while.

2) Add the grated mango and neem flowers. Roast for a while.

3) Add some water, cover the kadhai with a plate and cook till the mango becomes soft. Cook till the mixture is in the form of a watery lump.

4) Add a pinch of salt, and crushed jaggery to taste. Mix well till the jaggery dissolves.

Traditionally made in Tamilian households on the eve of Tamil New Year, this Pacchadi is a mixture of sweet, sour, bitter, and hot - symbolising the way life should be, with a little bit of each. It can be eaten either hot or cold.