Mango Chutney

Believe it or not, I discovered chutney not too long ago…You probably won’t believe where either – Argentina. Yep…I’ve always known about chutney, I’ve know what it’s paired with but never really – really – tried it correctly. And it’s at my favorite Indian restaurant in Argentina where I discovered how delicious a chutney could be.

Chutney, I believe, is one of those jars that you constantly have to have in your fridge…be it the kind that you like. Put it on a cracker, spread it on bread for a flavorful sandwich, as a small side for your delivered home-made curry. I feel it rounds out a dish perfectly by adding the right amount of flavor and spice!

Mango Chutney Recipe:

2 cups Light Brown Sugar

1 cup White Vinegar

4-5 Mangos cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 large Onion medium dice

1 1/2 inch piece Ginger minced

1 large Garlic Clove minced

1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

*Ginger, garlic and cayenne can be added to your liking…like it hot?! Just add more!

Bring the sugar and vinegar to a boil. Add the rest of the ingredients in at once and simmer for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot and stir every once in a while, you’ll notice the chutney will begin to thicken and you’ll know it’s ready!

Have 4 to 5 half pint jars ready to be filled. Want a quick and easy way to can? Boil water and fill the jars and tops to the top, let it sit for a minute and pour the water out. While your chutney is still piping hot, fill the jars and close.

I’ll let you know this chutney will not last very long in the fridge – not because it’s gonna go bad – but BECAUSE YOU’RE GONNA BE EATING IT! A delicious balance of sweet, sour, and the right amount of spice. Now get to ordering that curry and pair it with your very own chutney!

 

All In All Perfect

Yeah, I said PERFECT – You will get nothing less at Houston’s. This succulent location is easily in my Top 5 ‘Must Eat Here’ restaurants when in Miami. Every one of my trips down in sunny paradise starts with Houston’s and ends with Houston’s. How boring you say? No, no…you don’t know…

You see, Houston’s is not just about the food (but, really it is). Your entire experience here is perfection. They have ‘a long standing interest in art and architecture that factor into the dining experience to enhance the senses’. So true…from the moment you walk in the door everything you see, smell, taste, touch, and hear (had to think about those), mish-mosh together and create ideal sensations.

At the Aventura location you can see chefs preparing every piece of your platter…from the grill to plating…they work like an orchestra.

Another little interesting piece of info you might not know…Houston’s is one of a whopping thirteen restaurants that make up Hillstone Restaurant Group. And I’ve only been to one?! Ugh…guess I’ll have to keep eating (shoulder shrug)…

So let’s get to the food huh?! I know the image above can be a bit overwhelming. I couldn’t help it, I just had to show it all! I’ll guide you through them, left to right – top to bottom.

You’ll start your meal off right with their famous Spinach Dip. A creamy, cheesy, comforting dip…I also think it’s healthy cuz ya know, the spinach! haha You’ll also find big bits of artichoke in there that will make you very happy!

Next is the Tuna Salad…my mom’s fav of course! You can see the pieces of fish perfectly rare bathed in a delicious dressing that I’ve never been able to decipher. On the side, a fresh salad with mango and avocado. Yum!

Double Cut Pork Chop, remember Armen the Superhero?! This is his favorite, very very very well done please – that’s how he likes it.

Their Veggie Burger is super hearty and filling. Brown rice, beans, and beets…yeah I really do think so…make this burger delicious! Pair it with some shoestring fries…you’ll forget meat ever existed!

Smoked Salmon, my daddy’s go-to!

And finally MY favorite, Grilled Chicken Salad uuufff. With extra dressing duh! Fresh crispy greens, thinly sliced grilled chicken, corn, and tortilla strips…all drenched in a peanut lime dressing. Seriously no words, just try it!

Good news, I just found out they have a NY location! Woot woot!