Jul 26, 2008
A little info on mangoes: For North Americans, probably the closest similar fruit (but NOT close in flavor) is the peach. A ripe mango should have about the same consistency as a ripe peach. And a green mango feels about the same as a green peach. You can ripen green mangoes in a closed brown paper bag in 2-4 days. If you try to cook this dish with green mangoes, you will not get any juice (or flavor), just as if you tried cooking a pie, or some other dish, with green peaches. Use only ripe mangoes to cook this dish.
It's true the mace and pecans are not necessary for the main flavor of the dish. They are added for the pleasure of those whose palates enjoy more complex flavors and textures. It is perfectly fine to leave these out if you so wish.
—morble