The Joys of Fruit in Savory Cooking

It’s summer time, and in the heaviness of high temperatures and sunshine it’s possible to become a little drained and tired of the usual dishes you may make for dinner. Something that can spice up your culinary choices is the tasteful addition of some fruit. Not only does it make for a delicious re-imagination of a standard meal, it evolves it into a refreshing, hydrating and light alternative. It’s all about knowing which fruits will work well with which meals, ultimately expanding your education of healthy food choices. For example, a dash of citrus on salmon often works, while it’s common to have apple with pork.

Here are six of the finest recipes to bring something special to your table over the summer months.

1.   Sweet and Sour Curry with Mango

Throw the right blend of scallion, potatoes, cucumber, pepper and a dash of chili together in a pan with some olive oil, and this dish fast becomes a vegetarian option that tastes fantastic, even to a meat eater. However, the real difference is made by adding coconut oil and mango while your vegetables are gently frying in the pan. It’ll only take 15 minutes and you’ll have a refreshing Indian dish suitable for a main course.

2.   Grilled Pineapple

Having a barbecue? Well, here is an exciting alternative to hot dogs and burgers. Get one Pineapple, some butter, lemon juice and honey. Cut your pineapple into long strips that you can run through with a skewer. In the meantime you’ll need to mix together some of your honey, with melted butter (60ml), and add maybe a little lemon and clove. Now drop your pineapple onto the barbecue and as it grills begin to glaze them with your honey/butter sauce. They’ll be ready in no time.

3. Blueberry and Blue Cheese Salad

Salads are among the most simple and versatile dishes out. This simple salad consists of blueberries tossed with spinach and blue cheese. Made up in 5 minutes and absolutely delicious.

4. Grilled Steak with Blackberry Sauce

A classic savory dish brought to life, yet again, by fruit. Steak tends to be a familiar part of a diet; it’s the blackberry sauce that may cause you more problems. Gather a few cups of blackberries, mix them with a quarter cup of sugar and a quarter cup of water. Work them together and bring them to a low simmer. Now strain loosely with a sieve and serve atop a juicy grilled steak.

5. Strawberry Salsa

This dish takes a little longer to prepare, due to the chilling time required, although it is possible to play about with the ingredients. You’ll want to gather peppers of various colours. Fancy a fiery kick? Add some jalapeno pepper, finely diced. Other ingredients include red onion, olive oil, some coriander and, of course, strawberries. Toss these in a mixing bowl and allow them to settle together in the fridge. This is the longest part of the process. This salsa can be served with fish or chicken.

6. BLW Sandwich

Bored of the BLT? Try the BLW. Watermelon becomes a great alternative for tomato in most sandwich dishes. A refreshing, rehydrating option in a familiar style.