Transform your cooking with kokum: Here's how
What's the story
Kokum, a tropical fruit from the Western Ghats of India, is making waves for its culinary versatility. Famous for its tangy taste and vibrant color, kokum is used in a number of dishes to add a unique flavor. Its potential goes beyond just taste; kokum is also known for its health benefits, making it an interesting addition to any kitchen. Here's how you can use kokum in your cooking.
Tip 1
Enhancing soups and stews
Kokum's sourness makes it an ideal addition to soups and stews. It gives depth to the flavors without overpowering them. Just soak a few pieces of kokum in warm water and add the liquid to your dish. This not only thickens the soup but also adds a subtle tang that goes well with vegetables and legumes.
Tip 2
Flavorful rice dishes
Adding kokum to rice dishes can elevate their taste profile significantly. By adding soaked kokum while cooking rice or pilaf, you get a delightful aroma and a hint of acidity that balances the richness of spices. This technique works wonders with both plain rice and spiced varieties like biryani or pulao.
Tip 3
Tangy salad dressings
Kokum can be used to prepare refreshing salad dressings that are both tangy and nutritious. Blend soaked kokum with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a simple dressing that goes well with greens or grain-based salads. Its natural sourness cuts through the creaminess of other ingredients without overpowering them.
Tip 4
Unique desserts with kokum
For those who love experimenting in desserts, kokum is an interesting ingredient. Its tartness can be used in fruit compotes or sorbets for an unexpected twist on traditional sweets. By mixing kokum syrup into desserts like panna cotta or cheesecake, you can add layers of flavor that surprise the palate.
Tip 5
Health benefits of kokum
Apart from its culinary uses, kokum also comes with a number of health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress in the body. Kokum also helps in digestion due to its natural acids and may even help reduce inflammation when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.