Some recipes are more than just food; they’re a time capsule. This Mango Vermicelli Pudding is my take on my mum’s legendary dinner party dessert, a dish she’s served with pride from the same crystal bowl for as long as I can remember. The original is a simple, soul-soothing pudding of roasted vermicelli poached in cardamom-spiced milk—think of it as a lighter, more delicate cousin to rice pudding. I’ve added my own touch with a crown of gloriously ripe mango, gently warmed in a saffron, honey, and lemon syrup. It’s nostalgia, updated.
Ingredients
• 2 large, ripe mangoes
• 3 oz / 85g thin wheat vermicelli noodles
• 2 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter
• 3 cups / 720ml whole milk
• ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ⅓ of a whole nutmeg, freshly grated
• ¼ cup / 50g granulated sugar, or to taste
• 1 big pinch of saffron strands
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mango: Peel the mangoes and slice the flesh away from the pit. Chop the flesh into ½-inch / 1.5cm cubes and set aside.
2. Toast the Vermicelli: Break the vermicelli noodles into thumb-length pieces. In a medium saucepan, melt the ghee or butter over low heat. Add the vermicelli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden almond-brown. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the Pudding: Let the toasted noodles cool for a minute, then pour in the milk. Return the pan to a low-medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the cardamom, nutmeg, and sugar until dissolved. Remove from the heat.
4. Make the Saffron Mango Topping: In a small saucepan, gently warm 2 tablespoons of water over low-medium heat. Add the saffron strands and allow the water to turn a vibrant yellow. Stir in the honey until the mixture bubbles and becomes syrupy. Add the lemon juice and the cubed mango, warming through for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Serve: Spoon the warm vermicelli pudding into individual bowls. Top generously with the saffron mango syrup and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator to enjoy cold.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Highlights
• A comforting source of energy from carbohydrates.
• Provides calcium for bone health from the whole milk.
• Mangoes offer a boost of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
• Spices like cardamom and nutmeg contain beneficial antioxidants.
Pro Tips
• For the best flavor and texture, use sweet, ripe, and non-fibrous mango varieties like Ataulfo (honey) or Kent.
• Toast the vermicelli evenly over low heat. This step is crucial for developing a nutty aroma and preventing the pudding from becoming mushy.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute whole milk with full-fat oat milk or cashew milk and use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of ghee.
• Adjust the sugar to your liking. Taste the pudding before it cools completely, as sweetness is more pronounced when warm.
