Fruit Pachadi Recipe: A Refreshing South Indian Delight
Fruit Pachadi is a unique and delicious dish that blends the natural sweetness of fruits with tangy yogurt, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This South Indian recipe is often served as a side dish, particularly accompanying festive meals or traditional dishes like Fried Samvat Rice or Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer. It is an easy-to-make, vegetarian dish that takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday meals.
This Fruit Pachadi combines ripe fruits with a creamy yogurt base, seasoned with aromatic spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves. The addition of jaggery lends a delightful sweetness, while the tempering with mustard seeds and dry red chilies adds a savory touch. Letโs explore how you can prepare this refreshing side dish in your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed fruits (cubed to bite size, e.g., pineapple) | 2 cups |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) – whisked | 1 1/2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Green chilies (roughly chopped) | 2 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry red chili (broken) | 2 |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 90 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare Coconut Paste:
- Start by making a paste of fresh coconut, green chilies, and mustard seeds. Add a little water to the blender and blend until smooth. Set the paste aside for later use.
-
Cook the Fruit:
- Heat a pan and add the chopped mixed fruits along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook the fruits on a low simmer for about 5 minutes, or until they soften. You can use a combination of fruits like pineapple, mango, or apple, depending on your preference.
-
Add Spices and Sweetener:
- Once the fruits are softened, add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, salt to taste, and 2 teaspoons of jaggery (or sugar, if preferred). Stir the mixture well to incorporate the flavors.
-
Incorporate Coconut Paste:
- Add the prepared coconut paste into the fruit mixture. Stir and cook for another few minutes until the water is absorbed, and the mixture thickens slightly.
-
Add Yogurt:
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the whisked yogurt. Stir the yogurt into the mixture, ensuring it is well combined with the fruits and spices.
-
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
- In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 2 broken dry red chilies, and 1 sprig of curry leaves. Sautรฉ for a minute until the mustard seeds splutter and the spices release their aroma.
-
Combine the Tempering:
- Pour the hot tempering over the fruit pachadi and mix it well to combine all the flavors.
-
Refrigerate and Serve:
- Let the Fruit Pachadi cool to room temperature and refrigerate it until itโs chilled. Serve it as a side dish with Fried Samvat Rice or Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer along with hot phulkas (Indian flatbread).
Serving Suggestions
Fruit Pachadi is an ideal accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Here are a few pairing suggestions:
- Fried Samvat Rice: A light, flavorful rice dish made with Samvat (buckwheat) grains that complement the refreshing taste of the pachadi.
- Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer: A spiced, grilled paneer dish with a unique blend of carom seeds (ajwain) that pairs wonderfully with the creamy fruit pachadi.
- Hot Phulkas: Soft, hot phulkas are perfect for scooping up the fruit pachadi.
Tips for Best Results
- Fruits: You can mix and match different fruits like pineapple, apple, papaya, and banana for varied textures and flavors.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your heat preference. If you prefer a milder dish, use just one green chili or omit it entirely.
- Sweetness: If you like your pachadi on the sweeter side, feel free to increase the jaggery or sugar to taste.
Conclusion
This Fruit Pachadi is a refreshing and healthy addition to your meal, offering a unique blend of tropical flavors, tangy yogurt, and aromatic spices. Perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a festive feast or preparing a simple weeknight dinner, this dish will surely delight your taste buds with its vibrant colors and flavors. Try this recipe today and enjoy a burst of refreshing fruit goodness in every bite!
