Spiced Fruit Salad

Omani Spiced Fruit Salad Recipe with Pineapple, Peach, Mango, and Guava

Region / culture: Oman | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spiced fruit salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines a variety of tropical fruits with a flavorful spiced syrup. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy dessert or snack.

History

The origins of spiced fruit salad can be traced back to traditional fruit salads that have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. The addition of spices to the syrup adds a unique and exotic twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

225 g of tinned pineapple chunks
225 g of tinned peach chunks
225 g of tinned mango slices, cut into chunks
225 g of tinned guava halves, cut into chunks
1 cinnamon stick
2 black cardamoms
3 cloves
4 black peppercorns

How to prepare

Drain all the fruits and reserve the syrup.
Mix all the syrups together, reserving 280 ml and draining off the remainder.
Put the syrup into a saucepan.
Add the spices and bring to a boil.
Cover the pan and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Uncover and reduce the syrup to half its original volume by boiling for about five minutes.
Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
Keep the pan covered until the syrup is cool (in an open pan, some of the flavor will be lost).
Reserve a few pieces of peach and guava and all the mangoes.
Arrange the remaining fruits in a serving bowl.
Arrange the mangoes on top, then put in the reserved peach and guava.
Strain the spiced syrup and pour over the fruits.
Cover with cling film and chill.
For a variation, use fresh ripe pear instead of tinned mango.
You can also add one tablespoon of brandy to the syrup.

Variations

Substitute fresh ripe pear for the tinned mango for a different flavor profile.
Add a tablespoon of brandy to the spiced syrup for a more decadent version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to reserve some of the syrup from the canned fruits to use in the spiced syrup.

- Allowing the spiced syrup to cool before pouring it over the fruits will help to retain the flavors of the spices.

- For a more decadent version, you can add a splash of brandy to the syrup for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spiced fruit salad chilled as a refreshing dessert or snack. It can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is simmering the spiced syrup to infuse the flavors of the spices into the fruit salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute any of the tropical fruits with your favorite fruits, such as fresh berries or kiwi.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spiced syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the fruit salad.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fruits in a decorative serving bowl and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

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

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the spiced fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of spiced fruit salad contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of spiced fruit salad contains approximately 45g of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only about 1g of fat per serving.

Proteins

Spiced fruit salad is not a significant source of protein, with only about 1g per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tropical fruits.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as sulfites from the canned fruits. Be sure to check the labels if you have any allergies.

Summary

Spiced fruit salad is a healthy and delicious dessert option that is low in fat and calories, while providing a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins.

Summary

Spiced fruit salad is a delicious and healthy dessert option that combines a variety of tropical fruits with a flavorful spiced syrup. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing treat that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her cozy little cottage in the countryside. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma - a sweet and spicy blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that filled the air and made my mouth water.

Mary was bustling about in her kitchen, a twinkle in her eye as she chopped up a colorful array of fruits - apples, oranges, grapes, and pineapple. She explained that she was making her famous spiced fruit salad, a recipe she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago.

I watched in awe as Mary worked her magic, adding a sprinkle of this and a dash of that to the fruit mixture. She then poured a syrupy mixture of brown sugar, honey, and orange juice over the fruit, giving it a final stir before placing it in the fridge to chill.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the spiced fruit salad and was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the fruit combined with the warm spices was a match made in heaven, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the years, I have made this spiced fruit salad countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who always rave about how delicious it is. And now, I am thrilled to pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, so that you too can enjoy the magic of this delectable dish.

To make my spiced fruit salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 apples, diced

- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented

- 1 cup of grapes, halved

- 1 cup of pineapple chunks

- 1/4 cup of brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons of honey

- 1/4 cup of orange juice

- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

- A pinch of salt

To prepare the salad, simply combine the diced apples, orange segments, grapes, and pineapple in a large bowl. In a separate small saucepan, heat the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Pour the warm syrup over the fruit mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

When you are ready to serve, give the salad a final stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a beautiful presentation.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this spiced fruit salad as much as I do. May it bring you joy and fond memories, just as it has for me over the years. Bon appétit!