Rujak Brunei

Rujak Brunei Recipe | A Delicious Blend of Fruits and Peanuts

Region / culture: Brunei | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rujak Brunei is a traditional fruit salad dish from Brunei that is bursting with flavors and textures. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a unique culinary experience.

History

Rujak Brunei has been a beloved dish in Brunei for generations. It is often served during special occasions and celebrations, as well as a refreshing snack on hot days. The combination of fresh fruits and a flavorful sauce has made this dish a staple in Bruneian cuisine.

Ingredients

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced jicama
1 cup cubed firm ripe papaya
1 star apple (carambola), sliced
1 to 2 cups cubed fresh or canned ripe pineapple
1 firm green pear, cubed
1 firm tart apple, cubed

Sauce

3 tbsp dry roasted peanuts
1 or 2 hot red chilies, sliced and seeded
0.5 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp tamarind paste, dissolved in 0.5 cup water and strained
1 small green banana, sliced (optional)

How to prepare

Arrange the cucumber and at least 3 different fruits on a serving platter.
Using a food processor, finely chop the peanuts. Then, blend in the chilies, brown sugar, tamarind, liquid, and banana (if using) until a paste forms.
Traditionally, the sauce and fruit are served separately.
Each diner can then select the fruit and dip it into the thick sauce.
Alternatively, the modern method is to toss the fruit and sauce together and serve the salad at room temperature.

Variations

You can customize your Rujak Brunei by adding different fruits such as mango, guava, or dragon fruit. You can also experiment with the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less chilies.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a variety of fresh and ripe fruits to get the best flavors in your Rujak Brunei.

- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less red chilies according to your preference.

- For a creamier sauce, you can add a bit of coconut milk to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Rujak Brunei can be served as a refreshing appetizer or a light dessert. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood dishes.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Rujak Brunei is to ensure that the fruits are fresh and ripe. The sauce should be well-balanced with the right amount of sweetness, sourness, and spiciness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are allergic to peanuts, you can substitute them with cashews or almonds in the sauce. You can also use palm sugar instead of brown sugar for a more authentic flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Cut the fruits just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rujak Brunei on a large platter with a drizzle of the sauce on top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Rujak Brunei pairs well with a cold glass of coconut water or a refreshing tropical fruit juice. It also goes well with spicy grilled dishes or seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rujak Brunei in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat the dish as the fruits may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Rujak Brunei is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium from the variety of fruits used in the dish.

Alergens

This dish contains peanuts, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Rujak Brunei is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rujak Brunei is a delightful fruit salad dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this refreshing and nutritious dish today!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Rujak Brunei. It was during one of my many adventures in the bustling streets of Brunei, where the air was filled with the tantalizing aromas of exotic spices and fresh fruits. As I wandered through the vibrant markets, I came across a small food stall tucked away in a corner, where a kind elderly woman was busy preparing a colorful salad that caught my eye.

Intrigued by the array of ingredients she was using, I couldn't help but approach her and strike up a conversation. She smiled warmly and welcomed me to watch as she expertly chopped and mixed together a medley of fruits and vegetables, all while explaining the significance of each ingredient in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Rujak Brunei.

As she worked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She spoke of the traditional methods and secret techniques that made this dish unique to the region, and I could sense the pride and passion she held for preserving this culinary heritage.

I was captivated by her storytelling and the delicious aroma wafting from her mixing bowl, so I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and began to recount the list of ingredients and the step-by-step process for making Rujak Brunei.

The recipe called for a variety of fruits such as pineapple, mango, and guava, as well as vegetables like cucumber and jicama. She explained that the key to a successful Rujak Brunei lies in the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors, achieved through a special sauce made from tamarind, palm sugar, chili, and shrimp paste.

As she continued to mix and toss the ingredients together, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and precision. Each movement seemed effortless, yet carried with it years of practice and experience. It was clear that this recipe was more than just a dish to her – it was a labor of love and a connection to her roots.

After she had finished preparing the salad, she handed me a generous portion to taste. The first bite was a revelation – a burst of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more. The sweetness of the fruits was beautifully complemented by the tangy tamarind sauce, while the hint of spice added a subtle kick that lingered on the palate.

I thanked the kind woman profusely for sharing her recipe and bid her farewell, promising to cherish this newfound knowledge and carry on the tradition of making Rujak Brunei in my own kitchen. As I walked away from the food stall, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that had led me to discover this culinary gem.

Since that day, Rujak Brunei has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes, a dish that never fails to evoke memories of that fateful encounter in the bustling streets of Brunei. With each bite, I am transported back to that moment in time, where the warmth of the sun and the laughter of the locals filled the air, and the flavors of this beloved dish brought me closer to a culture rich in tradition and heritage.

And so, I continue to pass on this recipe to my own family and friends, sharing not just a delicious meal, but a story of discovery and connection that has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. The recipe for Rujak Brunei may have originated from a chance encounter, but its legacy lives on in the hearts and kitchens of all who have had the privilege of tasting its magic.