Fresh Santol fruit is a delicious tropical fruit with a unique flavor that is popular in many countries. It can be eaten fresh as a snack or used in various recipes to create flavorful dishes. One of the most common ways to cook Santol is by making a savory and tangy Santol Ginataan, a Filipino dish that combines the fruit with coconut milk. Here's a simple recipe for you to try:
Santol Ginataan (Santol in Coconut Milk)
Ingredients:
2-3 fresh Santol fruits
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
1 cup water
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, julienned
1-2 tablespoons cooking oil
2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chili pepper (to add spice)
Instructions:
Prepare the Santol fruit by peeling off the skin and removing the seeds. Cut the Santol flesh into bite-sized pieces. If the fruit is very sour, you may want to soak the pieces in salted water for a few minutes to reduce the sourness. Then, drain and set aside.
In a large pot or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
Add the minced garlic and julienned ginger to the pot. Sauté for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the coconut milk and water, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the prepared Santol pieces to the pot, and let it cook in the coconut milk mixture for about 10-15 minutes or until the fruit becomes tender.
Season the dish with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
If you want to add some spiciness to the dish, you can also add a chopped chili pepper at this stage.
Continue to simmer the Santol Ginataan for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Once the Santol is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat.
Serve the Santol Ginataan while it's still hot, and enjoy it with steamed rice.
Santol Ginataan offers a wonderful combination of sweet, sour, and creamy flavors, making it a delightful and unique dish. It's a great way to enjoy the fresh Santol fruit and experience the taste of the countryside cuisine.
Note: The taste of Santol can vary depending on its ripeness, so you might need to adjust the level of sweetness or sourness by adding a bit of sugar or calamansi/lemon juice, respectively, if needed.
