Spicy Mango Salad (Ensalada de Mango Biche)

Mango is a fruit we eat in Colombia almost everyday in smoothies, desserts, or just as a snack. In some some regions like Valle del Cauca and Atlantic Coast eating unripe mangoes is very popular. You'll find street vendors offering "Mango Biche": small bags filled with unripe mango wedges seasoned with lime and salt.I particularly can't resist to have one every time I visit my home city. This salad is inspired by the Colombian "Mango Biche" and the Asian mango salads, the perfect fusion of sweet, sour and spicy flavors.

Ingredients for 4 servings

1 big unripe, firm, green-skinned mango ( or 2 medium size)
1 red chili pepper, seeded and finely minced.
1 lime (juice)
4 bacon strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 scallions minced including the green part
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
salt and pepper

Cut the bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and fry it in a non stick pan until crispy. Discard the fat and drain over kitchen paper.

Peel the mango and using a kitchen mandolin, julienne the mango into thin strips. Be careful when reaching the pit.

Place the mango in a salad bowl and add the scallions, chili and cilantro and mix well. In small cup whisk the olive oil and lime juice and add to the salad bowl. Bring all the ingredients together.

Season with salt and pepper. Add and mix the bacon and sesame seeds,before serving.