Loking for an artsy avant garde appetizer that tastes as good as it look? Then this recipe is for you. A combination on raw mango chutney served on top of of baguette with sweet apples. Absolutely delicious and totally unique!

About the recipe

This is the type of unique appetizer that comes from Indians who lived in Morocco and now live in the Bay Area- a true global background my friend Radhika and her Mom have. Radhika and her family lived in Tangiers, Morocco for a better part of their lives when Radhika was growing up. They have such fond memories of their stay in Tangiers that they describe their time in this exotic city as “A dream, a vivid dream in a magical place.”

To give you a picture of this beautiful place I thought I would share a lovely watercolor painting of the Strait of Gibraltar in Tangiers that Radhika’s science teacher had painted and gifted to her when she went back to Morocco for a visit. I noticed the painting hanging in Radhika’s living room when I stopped by for tea and took a photo of this serene picture. 

This painting as Radhika explained is the view that her science teacher has from his apartment on the shores of Tangiers. The blue waters are the Strait of Gibraltar, the little dots on the sand are locals enjoying the ocean breeze, and the mountains in the back is the view of Spain.

The Strait of Gibraltar

The Strait of Gibraltar is a waterway that separates Europe from Africa at the South of Spain and Tangiers in Morocco in North Africa. It is also the waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean.

Did you know that at the waterway’s narrowest point the distance between Europe and Africa is a mere 8 miles! As you can imagine the Strait of Gibraltar is an important waterway for commerce and very significant to this region.

A dream, a vivid dream in a magical place

Whenever I stop by Radhika’s place I love hearing about her stay in Morocco, the culture, the exotic bazaars, the opulent Moroccan decor, and the lush courtyard gardens. Radhika’s home is filled with Moroccan antiques and beautiful decorative objects from her stay there and since both Radhika and her Mom love gardening Radhika’s home is always brimming with flowers and plants, some displayed on their opulent Moroccan pottery no less!

Tea with dear friends

On the June afternoon when Hitesh and I met Radhika and her Mom for tea they had made this delectable raw mango and sweet apple appetizer. Accompanied with chai, Belgian tea biscuits and fresh cut watermelon, this was a wonderfully light and delicious tea spread.

June Afternoon Tea at Radhika’s
A menu worth replicating:

Raw Mango Chutney and Sweet Apple on Baguette
Belgian Tea Biscuits
Fresh cut watermelon
Chai

Raw Mango Chutney and Sweet Apple on Baguette
recipe courtesy of Mrs. Iyengar

Ingredients:

• 1 raw mango peeled and cut into small pieces.
• 1 onion finely cut
• 1-2 green chilies finely cut
• 2 tbsp chana daal – also called split chick peas. Or use 3-4 roasted cashews
• Oil
• 1 lemon cut in small chunks – skin and all, seeds removed for chutney.  Use another lemon for soaking apple slices.
• Salt
• 1 baguette loaf sliced
• 1 apple, skin peeled and cut into thin slices. Place apple slices in lemon water to prevent them from browning.

Directions:

• In a pan heat 2 tbsp oil and toast chana daal until slightly golden in color.
• Add the onions, green chili and raw mango and sauté lightly for 1-2 minutes.
• Add all the ingredients along with the entire cut lemon and blend into a thick chutney – like a pesto consistency.
• When ready to plate, spread chutney on baguette and top with slice of apple.
• Serve with sprigs of fresh mint.

A very special thank you to my dear friend Radhika and her Mom for hosting a lovely afternoon tea and sharing this delicious and unique appetizer 😘🍏!