SWEET AND SPICY FRUIT SALAD
Most fruit salads consist of little more than diced fruit mixed in a bowl. They are simple and satisfying, but not necessarily special. This one is a more sophisticated take. It calls for a star anise- and chile-infused simple syrup, which adds sweetness and musky, spicy complexity. In addition to fruit, herbs - tarragon and basil - are tossed in for freshness. You can use whatever fruit you like as long as it is sweet and ripe. Eat the salad as it is, or top it with either mascarpone for a mellow, creamy note, or crumbled ricotta salata for something savory and bracing. Feel free to play around with other toppings as well. In the mellow category are fresh ricotta, crème fraîche, sour cream or ice cream. For something on the salty side, try shaved Parmesan, crumbled feta or goat cheese.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories salads and dressings, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 8 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place sugar, 3/4 cup water, chile and star anise in a small pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture is as thick as maple syrup and spicy tasting. Strain syrup. (Syrup can be made up to 1 week in advance; store in the refrigerator.)
- Toss fruit with half of the sugar syrup, the tarragon and the basil. Add more syrup to taste, depending on how sweet and spicy you want the salad. Season very lightly with salt and pepper. If desired, add dollops of mascarpone or crumbled ricotta salata on top.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 102, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 1 gram, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 307 milligrams, Sugar 24 grams
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