Titled “Using Fruit in Cooking,” I’m going to introduce two menus that include apples themselves. You might need a little courage to use apples as an ingredient for the strong presence. By keeping the key cutting method in mind, it turns out easy to eat.
First, I will show you a salad, a combination of fresh apples and mizuna, a Japanese leaf vegetable. Mizuna features a crisp texture. On the other hand, because it does not assert its own flavor or aroma, it has the advantage of pairing well with other ingredients. The point here is the method of cutting. By cutting apples thinly into matchsticks, it’s easier to incorporate with mizuna. And dressing enhances overall flavor harmony. Sprinkle roasted and crushed walnut to finish. Crispy apple and mizuna go so well and sweet and tart flavor of apple ties everything. Walnut adds a touch of savory flavor.
Apple and Mizuna Salad – adjust the amount to your liking –
| 1) Cut mizuna into 3cm length. |
| 2) Core the apple and cut into thin strips. |
| 3) Mix salt, pepper, vinegar and oil in a bowl. Add the above ingredients and toss. |
| 4) Arrange on a plate and sprinkle the roasted and crushed walnuts. |
Next, I’d like to propose a spice curry. In curry hidden flavors are generally used behind the spices to bring out various sweetness and richness. These are what makes it delicious. The spice curry also benefits greatly from the addition of apples. Here I don’t grate or chop into pieces, but cut into the same size as other vegetables. Diced apples are used together with potatoes and zucchini of 1.5cm cubes. Relatively easily available spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala are used.
Apple Spice Curry – adjust the amount to your liking –
| 1) Heat some oil, coconut oil is used here, in a pan in medium heat. Stir fry chopped onion until brown. |
| 2) Add minced garlic, ginger and spices, i.e. turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala. Stir quickly and fry for about 1 minute. |
| 3) Mix cubed apples and vegetables and stir fry for about 2 minutes. |
| 4) Pour coconut milk, water and add peanut butter for a hidden seasoning. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. |
As shown in the picture, apple cubes show, which is not a hidden flavor anymore. Tart apple flavor changes to sweetness by stir-frying adding depth to the flavor behind the spices. I didn’t use any meat here, but chicken or mutton meat are recommended to use. In Aomori, incidentally, they have a local cuisine called apple curry. Some say it’s pretty common to find apples in curry as an ingredient. I would be happy if they try my spice curry.
How did you find my recipes? My journey of Fruit in Cooking still has a long way to go.
Ushihara Kotoe
Cooking Researcher
Vegetable Sommelier/Bread Advisor
Born in Tokyo, residing in Tokyo. Japan’s four seasons are truly wonderful, each season yielding an abundance of rich ingredients. Expressing gratitude for these blessings, she hosts cooking classes that emphasize the importance of eating
seasonal foods, proper preparation methods, and reducing waste. Also, she coordinates vegetable workshops and various events focused on the sixth industrialization of agriculture, develops recipes for advertising and sales promotions for major food manufacturers, and handles food styling for photo shoots. Currently serializing “Camp Meals” for enjoying outdoor activities in a camping magazine.
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