Exotic Summer Fruit Medley
Delight in a vibrant and refreshing Exotic Summer Fruit Medley, perfect for hot summer days. This salad combines a luscious array of dried fruits, including apricots, figs, and raisins, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The sweetness is enhanced by a homemade orange blossom syrup, marrying beautifully with the creamy tang of sheep's cheese and the crunch of walnuts. This dish not only serves as a revitalizing snack but also makes for an elegant addition to any summer gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits for a personalized touch!
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried apricots
100 g (chopped)
Dried figs
100 g (chopped)
Raisins
100 g (none)
Icing sugar
100 g (none)
Walnuts
100 g (chopped)
Sheep's cheese
100 g (crumbled)
Orange blossom water
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the chopped dried apricots, chopped figs, and raisins in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to rehydrate and plump them up.
2
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then stir in the orange blossom water and icing sugar. Continue to boil until the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the fruit has soaked, drain it thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4
Drizzle the warm orange blossom syrup over the drained fruit, gently tossing to coat all the pieces evenly.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
6
Before serving, add the crumbled sheep's cheese and chopped walnuts to the fruit mixture, stirring gently to combine.
7
Serve your Exotic Summer Fruit Medley as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exotic Summer Fruit Medley?
It is a refreshing fruit salad that combines dried apricots, figs, and raisins with a homemade orange blossom syrup, sheep's cheese, and walnuts.
What are the main dried fruits used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 100 grams each of chopped dried apricots, chopped dried figs, and raisins.
How long should the dried fruit be soaked?
The fruit should be soaked in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to rehydrate and plump it up.
How is the syrup for the medley prepared?
Bring water to a boil with orange blossom water and icing sugar, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
What type of cheese is used in this fruit salad?
The recipe calls for 100 grams of crumbled sheep's cheese, which adds a creamy tang to the dish.
Is there a nut component in the Exotic Summer Fruit Medley?
Yes, 100 grams of chopped walnuts are added for a satisfying crunch.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can follow the vegan option tag by omitting the sheep's cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to chill.
What is the purpose of orange blossom water in this dish?
It is used to create a fragrant syrup that enhances the sweetness of the fruit and provides a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Should the fruit be drained after soaking?
Yes, the fruit must be drained thoroughly before being transferred to a mixing bowl and coated with syrup.
When should I add the cheese and walnuts?
The crumbled sheep's cheese and chopped walnuts should be added just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
While the recipe focuses on dried fruits, you can customize it with your favorite fresh fruits for a personalized touch.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The walnuts should be chopped before being added to the salad.
How much icing sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 100 grams of icing sugar to make the syrup.
Is this dish a dessert or a side?
It can be served as either a refreshing side dish or an elegant light dessert.
How much orange blossom water is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 tablespoon of orange blossom water.
What is the preparation for the sheep's cheese?
The sheep's cheese should be crumbled before being stirred into the fruit mixture.
Does this recipe contain any fresh oranges?
No, the orange flavor comes from the orange blossom water, although it is categorized under 'Oranges'.
Is the syrup added hot or cold?
The warm orange blossom syrup is drizzled over the drained fruit before chilling.
How should the fruit be handled while mixing?
The fruit should be tossed gently to ensure all pieces are coated evenly without being mashed.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish features a symphony of textures, including soft rehydrated fruit, syrupy liquid, creamy cheese, and crunchy walnuts.
Can I add other dried fruits like dates?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable, and you can add or substitute other dried fruits like dates.
Is this a Mediterranean-style recipe?
Yes, the combination of figs, apricots, walnuts, and orange blossom water gives it a distinct Mediterranean character.
How long does it take to make the syrup?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes of boiling for the mixture to thicken into a syrup.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It is tagged as a 'healthy dessert' due to the inclusion of fruit, nuts, and protein from the cheese.
What preparation is needed for the raisins?
No special preparation is needed for the raisins other than soaking them with the other fruits.
Is the icing sugar essential?
The icing sugar is necessary to create the syrup consistency and provide the sweetness that balances the tangy cheese.
What if I don't have sheep's cheese?
You can substitute it with another tangy cheese like feta or skip it entirely for a dairy-free version.