Mangoes: This week's Market Report "Good Buy!"
There is not enough space allotted in this post to accurately describe how I adore mangoes. But I will try. Nothing tastes like a mango. There are no substitutions for its floral aroma, complex sweetness, and glistening flesh. Of course, mango is great sliced directly into salads, blended into smoothies, or just sliced and eaten on its own, but I think mangoes really sing when they are complimented by the right supporting savory flavors. Try dusting chunks of mango with lime zest, salt, and chile powder for a Mexican-style street snack. Mangoes are also excellent as a marinade base because they contain a ton of natural acidity. Try processing ripe mangoes with onion, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for a beautiful fish or chicken marinade. Reduce the whole mess in a stock pot and hit it with a bit of butter at the end for a gorgeous sauce. Also, did you know you can eat mango skin? My favorite application is with unripe, green mango skin in Caribbean-influence mango chutney. It’s super nutty and fruity, and the texture is totally supple. A perfect complement to whole-roasted chicken or grilled steak.
About the Chef
Stephanie Goldfarb is a Chicago-based chef and national food television personality specializing in seasonal, globally-inspired cuisine. Recognized as the winner of Food Network’s America’s Best Cook competition, and a celebrity chef on Kitchen Inferno and NBC’s Food Fighters, Goldfarb delivers unique and relatable culinary experiences to discriminating and casual diners alike. As the owner of the successful Seven Species Supper Club & Catering, she enjoys the challenge of building brand new menus each month that inspire both repeat clients and newcomers, and seeks opportunities to utilize new ingredients, techniques, and approaches in accessible ways.