Name: Fresh Mango and Cucumber Skewers
Ingredients: 2 large, ripe but firm Mangoes: Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure, with a sweet aroma at the stem end. Ataulfo (honey) or Kent mangoes work beautifully due to their sweetness and less fibrous texture. (Approx. 500g total); 1 large English Cucumber (or 2 medium regular cucumbers): English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel and seed them. (Approx. 300g); 1/4 cup fresh Mint Leaves: Picked from the stem, these add a burst of cool, aromatic freshness. (Approx. 10g); 2 tablespoons fresh Lime Juice: Preferably freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor. This equates to the juice of about 1 medium lime.; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (optional, for dressing): A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps the dressing coat the ingredients.; 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, for dressing): If your mangoes aren’t super sweet or you prefer a touch more sweetness in the dressing.; Pinch of Salt: To enhance all the flavors.; Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a tiny kick of heat that beautifully contrasts the sweet and cool flavors.; Wooden or Metal Skewers: Approximately 6-8 inches long. You’ll need about 12-16 skewers.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large, ripe but firm Mangoes: Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure, with a sweet aroma at the stem end. Ataulfo (honey) or Kent mangoes work beautifully due to their sweetness and less fibrous texture. (Approx. 500g total)
1 large English Cucumber (or 2 medium regular cucumbers): English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel and seed them. (Approx. 300g)
1/4 cup fresh Mint Leaves: Picked from the stem, these add a burst of cool, aromatic freshness. (Approx. 10g)
2 tablespoons fresh Lime Juice: Preferably freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor. This equates to the juice of about 1 medium lime.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil (optional, for dressing): A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps the dressing coat the ingredients.
1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, for dressing): If your mangoes aren’t super sweet or you prefer a touch more sweetness in the dressing.
Pinch of Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a tiny kick of heat that beautifully contrasts the sweet and cool flavors.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: Approximately 6-8 inches long. You’ll need about 12-16 skewers.

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Instructions

Prepare the Mangoes: Wash the mangoes. Carefully peel them using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Cut the mango flesh away from the large, flat pit. Dice the mango flesh into 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform sizes for even skewering and visual appeal. Place the mango cubes in a medium bowl.
Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. If using an English cucumber, you can leave the skin on for added color and nutrients. If using regular cucumbers with thicker skin, you may prefer to peel them. Trim the ends. Cut the cucumber into 1-inch cubes, similar in size to the mango pieces. If your cucumber has large seeds, you can scoop them out with a spoon before dicing. Add the cucumber cubes to the bowl with the mango.
Prepare the Mint: Gently wash and pat dry the mint leaves. You can leave smaller leaves whole or roughly chop larger ones if you prefer them distributed in the dressing rather than whole on skewers. For visual appeal on skewers, smaller whole leaves work best.
Make the Dressing (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil (if using), honey or maple syrup (if using), pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary – you might want more lime for tartness or a little more sweetener.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Take a skewer. Thread one cube of mango onto it.
- Follow with a cube of cucumber.
- Add a fresh mint leaf (you can fold it slightly if it’s large).
- Repeat the pattern – mango, cucumber, mint – until the skewer is pleasantly full, usually 2-3 sets of each, leaving a little space at each end for handling.
- Continue with the remaining ingredients and skewers.
Dress the Skewers: Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. If you made the dressing, lightly drizzle it over the skewers. Alternatively, you can gently toss the mango and cucumber cubes with the dressing before skewering, but this can be a bit messier, and the mint is best added fresh during skewering.
Chill (Recommended): For the best flavor and a more refreshing experience, cover the platter with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld slightly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 120