Salady Voankazo

Salady Voankazo Recipe from Ghana with Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Oranges, and More

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 minute | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salady Voankazo is a refreshing and tropical fruit salad that is perfect for a light and healthy dessert or snack. This colorful and flavorful salad is a popular dish in Madagascar, where it is often served at special occasions and celebrations.

History

Salady Voankazo has its origins in Madagascar, where it is a traditional dish that is enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. The combination of fresh fruits and a sweet vanilla syrup makes this salad a unique and delicious treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cantaloupe, diced into 0.5-inch pieces
1 cup oranges, peeled and thinly sliced
0.5 cup strawberries, sliced
0.5 cup canned lichee nuts
0.5 cup sugar
0.5 cup water
0.25 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
pure vanilla extract

How to prepare

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) glass or china bowl, combine 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1 inch dice, 1 cup cantaloupe, cut into 0.5 inch dice, 1 cup oranges, peeled and very thinly sliced, and 0.5 cup strawberries, sliced.
Mix the fruits together until well blended.
Pour 0.5 cup canned lichee nuts over the top of the fruit.
In a 1 pt (473 ml) saucepan, combine 0.5 cup sugar, 0.5 cup water, 0.25 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil hard for 1 minute.
Add 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract to the syrup.
Pour the piping hot syrup over the fruit.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Fill a small cruet or sprinkler bottle with pure vanilla extract.
Bring the salad to the table in the bowl along with the cruet of vanilla.
Fill individual compote dishes with the fruit.
Sprinkle a few drops of vanilla over the fruit as it is being served.

Variations

Add other tropical fruits such as mango or papaya to the salad for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle the salad with a bit of honey or agave nectar for extra sweetness.
Top the salad with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh and ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture in this salad.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to suit your taste preferences.

- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Serve the salad in individual compote dishes for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Salady Voankazo as a light and refreshing dessert or snack on a hot summer day. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is preparing the sweet vanilla syrup and pouring it over the fresh fruits to create a flavorful and refreshing salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find lichee nuts, you can substitute with canned lychees or omit them altogether. You can also use other fruits of your choice in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fruit salad and the vanilla syrup ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the two just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Salady Voankazo in individual compote dishes or glass bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This fruit salad pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing and light dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Salady Voankazo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze the salad as the texture of the fruits may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Salady Voankazo contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Salady Voankazo contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the natural fats in the fruits.

Proteins

Salady Voankazo is a protein-free dish, as it consists mainly of fruits and a sweet syrup.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the oranges and strawberries, as well as potassium from the cantaloupe and pineapple.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Overall, Salady Voankazo is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories, but high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Salady Voankazo is a delightful and tropical fruit salad that is perfect for any occasion. With its colorful and flavorful combination of fresh fruits and sweet vanilla syrup, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this refreshing and healthy dessert today!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Salady Voankazo. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Madagascar with my family. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited a group of friends over for a dinner party. As I watched her bustling around the kitchen, preparing dish after dish with ease and grace, I couldn't help but be in awe of her.

One particular dish caught my eye - a vibrant and colorful salad that my grandmother called Salady Voankazo. I had never seen anything like it before, with its mix of fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices. As I watched her chop, mix, and season the ingredients, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After the dinner party was over and our guests had gone home, I approached my grandmother and asked her to teach me the recipe for Salady Voankazo. She smiled warmly and agreed, saying that she was happy to pass on her knowledge to the next generation.

The next day, my grandmother and I spent hours in the kitchen, as she patiently guided me through the steps of making Salady Voankazo. She explained the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and showed me how to balance the flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish.

I watched in admiration as my grandmother expertly wielded her knife, slicing the vegetables and fruits with precision and skill. She taught me the proper way to season the salad, using a blend of spices and herbs that she had carefully selected from her extensive collection.

As we worked together, I listened intently to my grandmother's stories about how she had learned to make Salady Voankazo from her own mother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. She shared with me the memories of family gatherings and special occasions where this dish had been the star of the table, bringing joy and satisfaction to all who tasted it.

By the end of the day, I had mastered the art of making Salady Voankazo, thanks to my grandmother's patient guidance and expertise. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I presented the finished dish to my family, who eagerly dug in and savored every bite.

From that day on, Salady Voankazo became a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. It was a dish that brought us together, reminding us of the rich culinary heritage that we shared and the love and care that went into each preparation.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to put my own twist on the traditional recipe for Salady Voankazo. But no matter how much I changed or adapted the dish, the essence of my grandmother's original recipe always remained at its core.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Salady Voankazo to my own children and grandchildren, I do so with pride and joy, knowing that I am carrying on a precious family tradition that will continue to bring us together for years to come. And every time we gather around the table to enjoy this delicious and vibrant salad, I will think of my grandmother and the invaluable lessons she taught me about the art of cooking with love and passion.