Amchur slices are raw mango slices that are dried and preserved and are used to add sharpness to some dishes in place of tamarind or lemon juice.
It is also used as a souring agent in snacks or meat tenderizing in Indian cooking.
Slices are used in gravies, curries and chutneys and launjis. It is essential flavour in chaat masala. Chaat masala is a popular spice bend used mostly in the northern part of India, is usually made by grinding amchur, dried ginger, black pepper and coriander.
Amchur slices that are powdered are easier to use in cooking as the flavour disperses evenly in the dish. When cooked, the powder gives a mild, sweet, and tangy flavour.
In north India amchur is used as souring agent in samosas filling, and some vegetables like okra, butter gourd and yams.
What is amchur?