Mango Rice, known as "Mango Raees" in Karnataka, is a traditional summer dish that celebrates the season’s abundant raw mangoes. It combines the tang of mango with aromatic spices, making it a refreshing accompaniment to meals during the hot months.

In Karnataka the dish is often made with sesame oil and roasted peanuts, while in Kerala coconut oil and grated coconut are added. Tamil Nadu versions may include mustard seeds and urad dal, and some coastal areas add shrimp for a non‑vegetarian twist.

It is typically served at room temperature as a side dish with curd (yogurt), pickle, or a simple lentil soup. During festivals it is packed in banana leaves for a rustic presentation.

Mango Rice is popular during the mango season, especially for summer picnics, temple festivals, and family gatherings. It is also a common lunchbox item for schoolchildren because it stays fresh without refrigeration for a day.

The dish uniquely balances sweet‑sour mango with the nutty flavor of sesame oil and roasted peanuts, creating a texture‑rich, aromatic rice that can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Its travel‑friendly nature sets it apart from many other rice preparations.

Authentic ingredients include raw mango, sesame oil, roasted peanuts, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Substitutes can be vegetable oil for sesame oil, cashews for peanuts, and paprika for Kashmiri chili if unavailable.

Mango Rice pairs beautifully with plain yogurt, raita, coconut chutney, or a simple lentil stew (sambar). It also complements fried papadums and pickles for a complete meal.

Common errors include over‑cooking the rice, burning the nuts and dal, and over‑cooking the mango. Ensure the rice is only 80 % done, fry the tempering on medium heat, and add mango at the very end for a firm bite.

The rice should be fluffy, each grain coated with the spiced oil, and the mango pieces should be just softened. Taste for seasoning; the dish is ready when the flavors are balanced and the rice is no longer wet.

The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes Hindi - Specials focuses on easy-to‑follow Hindi‑language recipes that highlight Indian home‑cooking traditions, especially regional specialties from Karnataka and other South Indian states.