Spiced Fruit Cocktail

Spiced Fruit Cocktail

When my mom has dinner parties, she usually makes this bright, beautiful fruit salad (fruit chaat) to offer as an appetizer. In India, fruit is often enjoyed with a few spices and lime juice that gives a spicy, tangy twist to sweet fruits. When in season, guavas are the highlight of this fruit salad, and are an unexpected flavorful treat when people bite into them. I have included my favorite fruits in this recipe, but you may choose your desired fruits. Do remember that bananas are an Indian favorite! The acidity of the lime juice delays browning, so you can prepare this dish up to an hour in advance before serving. This colorful fruit salad is full of health benefits because fruit is low in fat and calories, and a good source of fiber.

ABOUT GUAVA Guava, or amrood in Hindi, is a sweet, tropical round fruit that has an amazing fragrance and robust flavor. It has a thin yellowish to light green skin, similar to a pear, with flesh that ranges in color from creamish white to beautiful bright pink. To eat a guava, rinse it first, and then either cut it in cubes, or just bite into it, keeping the skin on. Be careful when eating the seeds, since they can be hard. You could also cut around the middle seeded area. Guavas are in season in the summer months. Look for ones that are slightly tender to the touch, and not too hard. Guava can be stored in the refrigerator up to one week, but you might not want to keep it that long, since the strong aroma permeates the refrigerator, and into the freezer and ice cubes, and your entire house! Guavas are rich in B vitamins, which are good for healthy brain and nerve function.

Other fruits that you may substitute:

Peach, Asian pear, strawberries, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, kiwi

Serves 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Refrigerator life: 1 hour (Tastes best freshly tossed and served.)

Reheating method: None! Simply toss and serve.

2 guavas, chopped into bite-size cubes (peel on)

1 red apple, chopped into bite-size cubes (peel on)

1 pear, chopped into bite-size cubes (peel on)

1 plum, chopped into bite-size cubes (peel on)

1 cup (150 g) green grapes

1 banana (peeled)

¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Juice of 1 lime

Pomegranate seeds (from 1 small pomegranate), for garnish (optional)

1 Place the guava, apple, pear, plum, and grapes in a large serving bowl.

2 Cut the banana into ¼-inch (6 mm) slices and place in the bowl.

3 Add the red pepper, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Mix well.

4 Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the pomegranate seeds over the fruit salad. Enjoy now or refrigerate for later!

TIP: Look for pomegranates that are heavy for their size and have bright and blemish-free skin. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants that help with making healthier and smoother skin. Pomegranate seeds stain so work with the pomegranate immersed in water to reduce staining splashes.