Chilean Fruit

Chilean Fruit Recipe - Delicious Fruits with Butter, Sour Cream, and Brown Sugar

Region / culture: Chile | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30-40 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Chilean Fruit is a delicious and unique dessert that combines a variety of canned fruits with a sweet and creamy topping. This dish is perfect for serving at gatherings or special occasions, as it is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors.

History

Chilean Fruit has been a popular dessert in Chile for many years, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The combination of canned fruits with a creamy sour cream topping is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Ingredients

1 large can of sliced peaches
1 large can of plums or pears
1 large can of apricots
1 large can of bing cherries
0.25 cup of butter
2 cups of sour cream
1 cup of dark brown sugar

How to prepare

Place sour cream in a sauce boat that will be used for serving. Do not stir.
Allow the sour cream to stand at room temperature.
The brown sugar should be packed on top of the sour cream. It will melt and bubble.
Drain all the fruit, but keep the mixed juices.
Gently mix all the fruits and transfer them to a large, deep casserole dish.
Fill the casserole dish approximately 0.75 full with the blend of fruit juices.
Dot the top with butter.
Cover the casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, until the fruit and juice are heated through.
Serve the dish hot and provide each person with the sour cream mixture to top their portion.
Make sure to dip down to the bottom to get both the cream and the brown sugar.

Variations

Try using different combinations of canned fruits, such as pineapple, mandarin oranges, or fruit cocktail.
For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the amount of brown sugar.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the canned fruits well before mixing them together, as excess liquid can make the dish too watery.

- Be sure to pack the brown sugar on top of the sour cream to ensure that it melts and creates a delicious caramelized topping.

- Serve the dish hot to enjoy the contrast of the warm fruit with the cool sour cream topping.

Serving Suggestions

Chilean Fruit is best served hot, with each portion topped with a generous dollop of the sour cream mixture. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Chilean Fruit in a covered casserole dish allows the flavors to meld together and the fruit to heat through evenly. Be sure to check on the dish periodically to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to canned fruits, you can use fresh fruits that have been cooked until tender. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chilean Fruit can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and bake when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chilean Fruit in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or top each portion with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chilean Fruit pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea. It can also be served alongside a cheese platter for a more savory contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chilean Fruit can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chilean Fruit contains approximately 300 calories, making it a relatively light dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Chilean Fruit is a carbohydrate-rich dessert, with the canned fruits providing a source of natural sugars and the brown sugar adding additional sweetness.

Fats

The butter and sour cream in Chilean Fruit contribute to the fat content of the dish, adding richness and flavor.

Proteins

While Chilean Fruit is not a significant source of protein, the sour cream does provide a small amount of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

The canned fruits in Chilean Fruit provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

Chilean Fruit contains dairy in the form of sour cream, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Chilean Fruit is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories but rich in carbohydrates and fats. It provides a variety of vitamins and minerals from the canned fruits, making it a tasty and nutritious treat.

Summary

Chilean Fruit is a delightful dessert that combines a variety of canned fruits with a sweet and creamy topping. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for serving at gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy the warm fruit and cool sour cream topping for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Chile. My mother had a friend who was known for her amazing culinary skills, and she invited us over for dinner one evening.

As soon as we walked into her kitchen, I was overwhelmed by the delicious smells wafting through the air. The table was set with an array of colorful dishes, but one in particular caught my eye. It was a beautiful concoction of fresh fruits, marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce. I had never seen anything like it before, and I couldn't wait to try it.

When I took my first bite, my taste buds were transported to a whole new world. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever experienced - a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. I immediately asked my mother's friend for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. The key, I have found, is to use the freshest fruits available and to let them marinate in the sauce for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

To make Chilean Fruit, you will need:

- 1 mango, peeled and diced

- 1 pineapple, peeled and diced

- 1 papaya, peeled and diced

- 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and halved

- 1 cup of grapes, halved

- 1 cup of orange juice

- 1/2 cup of lemon juice

- 1/4 cup of sugar

- 1 teaspoon of chili powder

Start by preparing the fruits - peel and dice the mango, pineapple, and papaya, and hull and halve the strawberries and grapes. Place all the fruits in a large bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, and chili powder until the sugar has dissolved. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.

Pour the sauce over the fruits and gently toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

When you are ready to serve, give the fruit salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.

This dish is perfect for any occasion - whether it be a casual summer picnic or a fancy dinner party. The colorful array of fruits makes it a feast for the eyes, while the bold flavors will leave your guests coming back for more.

I am grateful to my mother's friend for introducing me to this recipe all those years ago. It has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, and I love sharing it with my family and friends. I hope you enjoy making and eating Chilean Fruit as much as I do!