Pineapples can be much more than an addition to your fruit bowl. Pineapples are available in India from May to August. This fruit perfectly captures the spirit of summer. Pineapples are a delicious fruit and versatile ingredient due to their sweet and acidic flavour. So, prepare to delight your taste buds with these seasonal pineapple recipes.
Summer is a season that spoils you with different choices of fruits. Mangoes, sapotas, and almost any fruit enter our houses. Pineapples brighten and sweeten fruit platters. According to a study by PubMed, pineapple fights cell damage, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cancer with antioxidants. It prevents colds and improves eyesight, gums, bones, muscle degeneration, digestion, and immunity.
Desi Pineapple Dishes To Try This Summer
1. Pineapple and Mango Sasav
Pineapple and Mango Sasav is a delightful dish from the coastal region of Konkan. The word 'sasav' comes from 'sasam', which means mustard seeds in Konkani. This dish combines the ambrosial flavours of mango and pineapple with coconut, chilli powder, and mustard seeds. The addition of mustard seeds gives the food a spicy taste and decreases cholesterol. Tropical fruits and mustard seeds produce a taste explosion, making this a summer favourite.
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2. Pineapple and Mooli Kachumber
Pineapple and Mooli Kachumbar is a quick, hydrating summer salad. The unique combination of pineapple and radish makes this dish pleasant after a hot day. To prepare, thinly slice pineapple, chop red radish and onions into circular disks, and cut cucumber into long slices. Use lemon juice, olive oil, green chillies, chaat masala, and black salt to season them. Sweet pineapple balances spicy radish and tangy dressing for a refreshing salad.
3. Pineapple Halwa
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Pineapple Halwa is a creamy, fruity twist on the iconic gajar ka halwa. To prepare, heat sugar and water in a pan until the sugar dissolves. Add small pieces of pineapple and saffron, cooking on low heat. In another pan, heat ghee and sauté semolina until light golden. Add almonds, the cooked pineapple, and sugar syrup. Cook until the semolina is done, then mix in khoya and sauté for 2 minutes. Garnish with almonds and serve. Pineapple adds a unique sweetness and tang to this beloved dessert.
4. Pineapple Pulissery
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Pineapple Pulissery is a popular Keralan curry made with pineapples, coconut, and spices. This mild, flavourful curry pairs perfectly with rice. The sweet flavour of pineapple shines through in this dish, making it a staple at Keralan weddings. The creamy coconut milk and tangy pineapple create a rich, comforting curry. Serve this with hot steaming rice for a heavenly meal that captures the essence of Kerala.
5. Mangalorean Pineapple Curry
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Mangalorean Pineapple Curry is a full-fledged curry from Karnataka that does justice to the flavours of pineapple. This dish combines chicken with pineapple and green mango, creating a mixture of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours in each bite. The pineapple enhances the taste by adding a sweet and tangy note that balances the spices and complements the savoury chicken, making this curry a standout.
6. Pineapple Coconut Kulfi
Pineapple Coconut Kulfi is a refreshing homemade treat. Blend fresh pineapple chunks with coconut milk and a splash of lime juice until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds, insert sticks, and freeze until solid. These creamy, tropical popsicles are the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. The sweetness of the pineapple combined with the creamy coconut milk creates a delightful dessert that's both refreshing and indulgent.
7. Pineapple Payasam
Pineapple Payasam is a traditional South Indian sweet dish that serves as a befitting finale to any special meal. This recipe combines the richness of pineapple with coconut milk, ghee, and powdered cardamom. The sweet, tangy pineapple blends beautifully with the creamy coconut milk and aromatic cardamom, creating a dessert that's sure to be a family favourite. This payasam not only tastes divine but also carries the warmth and tradition of South Indian cuisine.
These desi pineapple dishes offer a refreshing and flavourful way to enjoy this versatile fruit during the summer. Each recipe showcases how pineapples can enhance both sweet and savoury dishes with their unique sweet and tangy flavour. From the refreshing Pineapple and Mooli Kachumbar to the indulgent Pineapple Payasam, these recipes provide a delicious way to incorporate pineapples into your meals. Whether you're looking for a light salad, a rich dessert, or a hearty curry, these pineapple dishes are sure to impress and satisfy.