African bael: 4 creative ways to use this tropical gem
What's the story
African bael, a tropical fruit, is making waves in the culinary world for its unique taste and health benefits. Traditionally used in African cuisine, the fruit is now being explored for its potential in various recipes. With a sweet and tangy flavor, African bael can be used to add a twist to traditional dishes. Here's how this exotic fruit can be used creatively in the kitchen.
Dish 1
Sweet and tangy bael chutney
African bael chutney is a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors. To make this chutney, mash the pulp of the bael with sugar, vinegar, and spices like cumin and coriander. This chutney goes well with snacks or as a spread on sandwiches. The natural sweetness of the bael balances the spices, making it an interesting condiment.
Drink 1
Refreshing bael juice
Bael juice is a refreshing drink perfect for hot days. To prepare it, extract the pulp from the fruit and mix it with water and sugar or honey for sweetness. Strain the mixture to get rid of any solids before serving it chilled over ice. This hydrating drink not only quenches thirst but also provides vitamins and antioxidants from the bael.
Dish 2
Bael infused rice pilaf
Adding bael to rice pilaf gives an unexpected twist to this classic dish. Cook rice with vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor, then mix in mashed bael pulp along with sauteed onions, garlic, and spices like turmeric or saffron for color enhancement. The result is a fragrant pilaf with subtle hints of sweetness from the fruit's natural sugars.
Dessert 1
Bael sorbet delight
Bael sorbet makes for a refreshing dessert option that is easy to prepare at home without an ice cream maker machine. Just blend fresh baels until smooth, add lemon juice if desired for tartness contrast, then freeze until firm. Scoop out portions when ready to serve as an after-meal treat or a standalone snack anytime throughout day-long gatherings alike.