| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 18g | 8g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 55g | 7g | 2g | 0.08g |
There’s something extraordinary about the Roasted Hala Fruit with Honey recipe. It’s not only a celebration of natural sweetness and tropical splendor but also a delightful array of flavors that serve as a delightful conduit of my Afro-Southern culinary ethos. The first time I concocted this recipe in my kitchen, I remember being instantly entranced by the intoxicating aroma and the succulent nuances of the roasted Hala fruit. It’s not hard for me to attest why this recipe is one that’s close to my heart.
A Taste of the Tropics
The Hala fruit, a tropical beauty, weaves an enigmatic charm that harmonically blends with the more humble, soul-soothing qualities of honey, brown sugar, and spices. Much like recipes often cooked in Southern households, such as honey-roasted pecans, this fusion exudes a distinct homely charm while introducing an exotic twist. This culinary matrimony combines my Southern upbringing with elements of West Africa’s multifaceted food culture – the pure embodiment of Afro-Southern fusion.
Not Just Another Fruit Dessert
Roasted Hala Fruit with Honey isn’t just another fruit-based dessert – it’s a portal to palate paradise. Its mellowness is beautifully contrasted by the vibrant kick provided by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, not largely different from the traditional Nigerian chin-chin. With its textures and symphony of flavors, it shares the stage with dishes like the Nigerian fruit salad or the American Southern Peach Cobbler. You could even pair this dessert with a hearty main course like Nigerian Jollof Rice or a Southern Fried Chicken.
A Thread of Health Benefits too
Apart from its gastronomic allure, there’s a substantial thread of health benefits associated with this recipe. Hala fruit is rich in several nutrients and vitamins that are crucial for human health, including Vitamin C and dietary fiber. The use of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg not only enhance the flavor profile but also provide benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion. Now, that’s a dessert that indulges sweet cravings and dovetails into a healthy diet!
No matter where you come from, the Roasted Hala Fruit with Honey recipe weaves a story of cultures colliding, flavors harmonizing, and health and happiness coalescing into an enchanting culinary experience. Trying it just once is all you need to understand why I hold this recipe so dear.
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium-sized Hala fruits
- 1 cup of honey
- 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, wash the Hala fruits thoroughly under running water.
Step Two
Cut the Hala fruits into halves and scoop out the insides, be sure to keep the skin intact. Place the fruit halves on a baking dish.
Step Three
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until they form a smooth sticky mixture.
Step Four
Drizzle the honey and spice mixture over the Hala fruit halves, making sure every piece gets a good coating. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the fruits.
Step Five
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the Hala fruits for about 20 minutes, or until they become soft and caramelized. If needed, you can baste the fruits with the dripping sauce from time to time to keep them moist and flavorful.
Step Six
After the fruits are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, if you prefer, serve each fruit half with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy your Roasted Hala Fruit with Honey warm!
