Try these dishes featuring vanilla bean
What's the story
African vanilla bean is a versatile ingredient that adds a unique flavor to dishes. Known for its rich aroma and subtle sweetness, it enhances sweet as well as savory recipes. This article explores five innovative dishes that showcase the distinct qualities of African vanilla bean, offering new culinary experiences for those looking to experiment in the kitchen. Let's take a look.
Dish 1
Vanilla-infused sweet potato mash
Sweet potato mash gets a whole new dimension with the use of African vanilla bean. By infusing the mash with this aromatic ingredient, you get a dish that strikes a balance between sweet and earthy. Simply simmer sweet potatoes until tender and mash them with butter and freshly scraped vanilla seeds. Voila! You have a creamy side dish ready to be paired with mains.
Dish 2
Vanilla bean rice pudding
Rice pudding turns indulgent when made with African vanilla bean. It is prepared by cooking rice in milk over low flame until creamy, and then adding sugar and scraped vanilla seeds for flavor. The final product is a comforting dessert which highlights the sweetness of both rice and vanilla, and is perfect for those who love the classics with a twist.
Dish 3
Vanilla-spiced roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables take on an unexpected depth of flavor when seasoned with African vanilla bean. To make this dish, toss your choice of vegetables such as carrots or squash in olive oil, salt, pepper, and freshly scraped vanilla seeds before roasting them in the oven. The heat brings out the caramelized notes of both the vegetables and the vanilla, creating a harmonious blend that's both savory and subtly sweet.
Dish 4
Vanilla bean coconut milk soup
A coconut milk soup infused with African vanilla bean is an exotic twist on traditional soups. Start by simmering coconut milk with ginger, lemongrass, and freshly scraped vanilla seeds for a fragrant base. Add your choice of vegetables or tofu to finish this flavorful soup that's perfect for warming up on cooler days while enjoying an intriguing mix of flavors.
Dish 5
Vanilla-enhanced fruit salad
Elevate fruit salad by adding African vanilla bean to its dressing. Mix water, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla seeds for the syrup. Drizzle it over berries or melons. Serve chilled or at room temperature. This dish proves how fruits can blend under the aromatic influence of vanilla, showcasing Africa's prized vanilla pod.