- Prep
- 15 min
- Total time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 115 kcal
Quick summary
“This refined fruit salad unites the juicy sweetness of fresh pitted strawberries and cherries with citrus zest of Sicilian lemon and brown sugar flavored with coriander seeds macerated in a mortar. A vibrant plant-based dessert exploring floral, citrus, and noble spice notes.”
What you need to know
- As sementes de coentro esmagadas liberam óleos essenciais com perfume cítrico amadeirado que complementa as frutas
- A maceração breve de 15 minutos estimula a liberação de sumos naturais criando uma calda límpida e brilhante
- O contraste entre morangos macios e cerejas carnudas oferece uma experiência textural única na colher
Ingredients
Main
- grams Fresh strawberries
- grams Fresh cherries
- unit Sicilian lemon zest
- tablespoons Brown sugar
- teaspoon Coriander seeds
Instructions
Principal
- First, prepare the fruits. Wash the strawberries delicately, remove the stems and cut them in half or into four, depending on the size. Then, wash the cherries and remove the pits, if desired. It is crucial that the fruits are dry to absorb the seasonings.
- In simple terms, the next step is to flavor the sugar. In a mortar, lightly crush the coriander seeds to release their aroma. Mix the crushed coriander seeds with the brown sugar in a small bowl. Make sure the mixture is homogeneous.
- The professional technique is to ensure an even distribution of flavors. In a large bowl, combine the cut strawberries and pitted cherries. Add fresh lemon zest over the fruits. Stir gently to incorporate the citrus aroma.
- Finally, sprinkle the brown sugar and cilantro mixture over the fruits. Mix everything carefully, ensuring that each piece of fruit is coated. Let the salad rest for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving so that the flavors harmonize. This allows the sugar to dissolve slightly.
Chef's tips
- Toste levemente as sementes de coentro inteiras em frigideira seca por 1 minuto antes de pilar para despertar os aromas
- Retire os caroços das cerejas utilizando um descaroçador próprio ou canudo firme para manter o fruto inteiro e estético
- Sirva a salada logo após o tempo de maceração para que as frutas não percam a consistência firme e crocante
Variations
- Adicione 1 colher de sopa de vinagre balsâmico envelhecido de boa qualidade para aprofundar as notas de caramelo das frutas
- Incorpore folhas frescas de manjericão roxo ou hortelã picada para um contraste cromático e herbáceo sofisticado
- Sirva as frutas maceradas sobre uma generosa fatia de queijo brie morno ou com sorbet caseiro de limão
Substitutions
- As cerejas frescas podem ser substituídas por amoras frescas, mirtilos inteiros ou framboesas frescas delicadas
- O açúcar mascavo pode ser trocado por açúcar demerara, mel de flor de laranjeira ou calda de agave pura
- O limão-siciliano pode ser substituído por raspas finas de laranja-baia ou casca de tangerina fresca
How to store
Store the fruit salad in a tightly closed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. As time passes, the fruits release more perfumed reddish syrup, ideal for drizzling over pancakes or yogurts at breakfast.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze the fresh salad, as thawed strawberries and cherries soften and release excess liquid. If necessary, freeze the fruits with the syrup to use in the preparation of smoothies or compotes.
What to serve with
Perfectly accompanies a scoop of artisanal vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, mascarpone cream, or slices of plain cake. As a liquid pairing, serve with chilled moscato sparkling wine or white peach tea.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use maraschino cherries?
Do not use canned cherries with food coloring; use natural fresh cherries to get fresh acidity and meaty consistency.
How to macerate the fruits correctly?
Gently mix the sugar with the zest and mashed seeds into the cut fruits and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Do coriander seeds taste the same as coriander leaves?
No, the seeds have a completely different flavor from the leaves, presenting a citrusy, sweet, and woody aroma similar to orange peel.
Can I make the recipe without brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be omitted if the fruits are very ripe and sweet, using only the lemon zest and crushed cilantro.
