Monday, June 01, 2009

Mango Salsa & Jackson Heights Produce

$6.48

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.

Mango Salsa

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.

30 comments:

Amy Romeu said...

Mmmm... sounds, and looks, delicious. As always, your photographs are mouthwatering!! Thanks for sharing.

Shaheen said...

Bargain, bargain, bargain.

The mango salsa looks so good too.

Maris said...

I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!

Maris said...

I love fruit salsas...mango, peach, pineapple...all delish!

Unknown said...

YUM! And it looks all the more delicious in your photos :D Good times!

Fernanda said...

I'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos. Sounds delicious!

Erin S. said...

Yes, it was delicious! Maris, thanks for the reminder of other sweet salsas--I LOVE peach salsa with a bit of chipotle.

Amy R. said...

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!

Maggie said...

The price of limes in manhattan KILLS me! Your mango salsa sounds delicious!

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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.

Anu said...

The mango salsa looks delish! I'll try it next time I get mangoes.

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You 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. I do know it's much fresher, tastier and cheaper than most anything found in Manhattan.

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I'll try the mango salsa next time I come across sweet mangos.

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