| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
There’s a particular essence to the Sweet Salal Berry Sauce that speaks to me on several levels. It’s reminiscent of the many fruit stands that dot the corners of New York City, their enticing, colorful displays appealing to the senses and hinting at the city’s culinary diversity. As someone who embraces and celebrates diversity through food, I can’t help but feel enchanted by this recipe.
A Deliciously Healthy Treat
What also stands out about the Sweet Salal Berry Sauce is the wonderful health benefits packed into every spoonful. The main ingredient, Salal berries, are packed with beneficial antioxidants, that contribute towards a healthy immune system. Accompanied by the vibrant tang of lemon juice, which adds a healthy dose of Vitamin C, this sauce not only tantalizes your palate but also looks after your vitality.
The Mélange of Flavors
In addition to a wonderful health profile, the blend of ingredients serves as a beautiful melody of flavors. This recipe includes elements that gently contrast and complement each other, from the sweetness of the sugar and Salal berries, to the bright acidity of the lemon juice, and the warm aroma of the vanilla extract. This delicate balance of flavors is similar to those you might find in preserves like strawberry jam or cranberry sauce.
However, the charming uniqueness of the Salal berries lends a uniquely fresh and distinct character to the sauce. And though it may not be identical to the classic New York bagel spread, I see it as a fantastic alternative. Imagine pairing this Sweet Salal Berry Sauce with a freshly toasted multigrain bagel or even as a topping on a bowl of Greek yogurt for a healthy breakfast twist. Its culinary versatility doesn’t end there. This sauce could beautifully complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a slice of cheesecake.
Here’s a list of creative ways to use fruit sauce to help you further explore this versatile sauce. If you’d like to know more about the incredible Salal berry, this is a great resource.
So, in a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, it’s recipes like these that capture the essence of its diverse culinary scene. And as someone who has always loved exploring the global flavors that the city has to offer, the Sweet Salal Berry Sauce remains one of my favorite recipes to share with you all. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups fresh Salal berries
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the fresh Salal berries under cold water, then place them into a large saucepan.
Step Two
Add the 1 cup of white granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the saucepan with the berries. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure that the berries are well coated.
Step Three
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the berries have burst and released their juices. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step Four
Once the berries have broken down, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan. Stir these in until they are well incorporated.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree it at this point.
Step Six
After the final cooking step, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool down. Once it’s cooled, you can use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future use.
