Konkani Style Avnas Ambe Sasam Recipe – Fruit Salad with Coconut
Konkani cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, with an abundance of fresh produce and aromatic spices. One such dish that embodies the essence of the Konkan coast is the Konkani Style Avnas Ambe Sasam, a delightful fruit salad with coconut. This dish combines the natural sweetness of tropical fruits with the richness of ground coconut, creating a refreshing and satisfying dessert or side dish. Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your lunch spread or a light, healthy treat to enjoy after a meal, this Konkani fruit salad is sure to please.
A Symphony of Flavors
The Konkani Style Avnas Ambe Sasam is a simple yet flavorful dish that is easy to make. It features the classic tropical trio of pineapple, ripe mangoes, and green grapes, all of which are tossed with a fragrant ground coconut mixture. The addition of tempering, made with mustard seeds and curry leaves, enhances the flavor profile, offering a light and tangy finish to the dish. This fruit salad is perfect for those who enjoy the vibrant flavors of Konkan cuisine while still keeping things fresh and light.
Why You Should Try It
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can enjoy it as a dessert, a side dish, or even as a healthy snack. The use of fresh coconut adds a creamy texture and natural sweetness to the dish, while the jaggery provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tang of the fruits. The tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves adds an aromatic touch that is characteristic of the Konkan style of cooking. The best part? This dish is vegetarian and made with all-natural ingredients, making it an ideal option for those seeking lighter, plant-based meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pineapple | 1, chopped into medium cubes |
| Mango (Ripe) | 1, chopped into medium cubes |
| Green Grapes | 1 cup |
| Ingredients to Grind | |
| Fresh Coconut | 4 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| To Temper | |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Oil | For cooking and tempering |
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fruits:
- Begin by chopping the pineapple and mango into medium cubes. Halve the grapes, making them easier to mix into the salad. Set aside.
-
Grind the Coconut Mixture:
- In a blender or grinder, combine the fresh coconut, jaggery, dry red chili, and mustard seeds. Grind everything into a coarse mixture. This will form the flavorful base of the salad.
-
Cook the Pineapple:
- Heat a kadai (wok) with a little oil over medium heat. Add the freshly ground coconut mixture to the kadai and sauté for a few seconds. Once it becomes aromatic, add the chopped pineapple and stir well to combine. Let the pineapple cook in the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
-
Combine the Fruits:
- Add the chopped mango and grapes to the cooked pineapple mixture. Turn off the heat, and gently toss the fruits together with the ground coconut mixture, ensuring all the fruits are coated well.
-
Prepare the Tempering:
- In a small pan, heat a bit of oil and add the mustard seeds. Let them splutter, and then add the curry leaves. Allow the curry leaves to crackle for about 2 seconds to release their fragrance.
-
Serve:
- Pour the tempering over the fruit salad and give it a final toss. Serve the Konkani Style Avnas Ambe Sasam immediately, or refrigerate it for a while to serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions:
For a complete Konkan-inspired meal, serve the fruit salad alongside Kori Gassi (a spicy chicken curry) and Neer Dosa (a soft, thin rice crepe). This combination makes for a refreshing and flavorful Sunday lunch or any special occasion.
Nutritional Benefits of Konkani Style Avnas Ambe Sasam:
This dish is a healthy combination of fruits, coconut, and jaggery, offering a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Pineapple provides a good dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while mangoes are rich in beta-carotene and promote digestive health. The addition of green grapes adds a burst of antioxidants, and the fresh coconut brings in healthy fats and fiber. Additionally, jaggery is a healthier alternative to refined sugar and provides energy-boosting benefits.
This refreshing fruit salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy making this sweet, tangy, and utterly refreshing Konkani Style Avnas Ambe Sasam – Fruit Salad with Coconut that brings the flavors of the Konkan coast straight to your table!
