Mango Salsa & Jackson Heights Produce
Yesterday my friend Kat and I headed out to Jackson Heights, Queens for the $10 buffet at the Jackson Diner (home of made-to-order dosas). After lunch, we stopped at Patel Brothers, a huge Indian grocery store, packed with amazing fresh produce.
The first thing that caught my eye? Eight limes for $1. Unlike their shriveled, juiceless, more expensive brethren found at groceries in my neighborhood, these vibrant green orbs remind me of California produce. I also picked up fresh mint, cilantro, eggplants, baby cucumbers, a chunk of ginger, and ready-to-make mini-papads--all for the low price of $6.48. Is the produce local? I don't know. I do know it's much fresher, tastier and cheaper than most anything found in Manhattan.
In addition to this bounty, I bought a box of sweet mangoes from the mango guy outside the store. Another great deal--$6.99 for 7 large, fragrant fruits. Later that night, I diced one up, mixed it with chopped mint, cilantro, green onions and a few squeezes of lime juice. Served over roasted red snapper, it contributed to a delicious dinner.
Like my feast for $5.58 last summer, this meal was a reminder that ethnic markets pack a lot of bang for the buck--had I been in need of spices, rice, lentils or any other Indian staples, I could have stocked up at Patel Brothers for much less than a trip down Fairway or Whole Foods "ethnic" aisles. Sure, Jackson Heights is a long subway ride from the Upper West Side, but I always like to remind myself that there's more to New York living than Manhattan.
The first thing that caught my eye? Eight limes for $1. Unlike their shriveled, juiceless, more expensive brethren found at groceries in my neighborhood, these vibrant green orbs remind me of California produce. I also picked up fresh mint, cilantro, eggplants, baby cucumbers, a chunk of ginger, and ready-to-make mini-papads--all for the low price of $6.48. Is the produce local? I don't know. I do know it's much fresher, tastier and cheaper than most anything found in Manhattan.
In addition to this bounty, I bought a box of sweet mangoes from the mango guy outside the store. Another great deal--$6.99 for 7 large, fragrant fruits. Later that night, I diced one up, mixed it with chopped mint, cilantro, green onions and a few squeezes of lime juice. Served over roasted red snapper, it contributed to a delicious dinner.
Like my feast for $5.58 last summer, this meal was a reminder that ethnic markets pack a lot of bang for the buck--had I been in need of spices, rice, lentils or any other Indian staples, I could have stocked up at Patel Brothers for much less than a trip down Fairway or Whole Foods "ethnic" aisles. Sure, Jackson Heights is a long subway ride from the Upper West Side, but I always like to remind myself that there's more to New York living than Manhattan.
12 Comments:
Mmmm... sounds, and looks, delicious. As always, your photographs are mouthwatering!! Thanks for sharing.
Bargain, bargain, bargain.
The mango salsa looks so good too.
I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!
I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!
YUM! And it looks all the more delicious in your photos :D Good times!
I'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos. Sounds delicious!
Yes, it was delicious! Maris, thanks for the reminder of other sweet salsas--I LOVE peach salsa with a bit of chipotle.
Erin, we made this last night using your recipe. The mango salsa was fabulous. I can't wait to make this another night. We lightly pan roasted some asparagus and yellow squash as a side... thank you again!
The price of limes in manhattan KILLS me! Your mango salsa sounds delicious!
Thanks..
izmir matbaa
Mango salsa! My family is obsessed with mango in a lot of our food. This is a great addition to our mango recipes. Thanks a lot.
The mango salsa looks delish! I'll try it next time I get mangoes.
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