| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 12g | 7g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 2g | 6g | 0.30g |
Tambis Muffins: A Taste Adventure
Given my Italian-American background, you might think my recipes predominantly encompass pasta and meatballs. Yet, today I want to share something slightly outside of my typical flavor profiles: Tambis Muffins. While this tropical delicacy might not be a regular feature on the southern Italian dinner table, it’s quickly become a hit in my kitchen and my family’s hearts.
This recipe’s star ingredient, the tambis or java apple, might not be too familiar to those living outside the tropics. Similar to an apple in texture, but with a slight pear-like sweetness, this fruit brings a unique gastronomic experience. If you’re worried about sourcing this special ingredient, worry not! You can order java apples from Amazon or try out specialty supermarkets that stock exotic fruits.
Fitness and Flavors Combined
Tambis Muffins are not just a treat for the taste buds, they are nutritious too. The java apple itself is rich in antioxidants and provides a healthy dose of vitamin C, while the lemon zest and juice in the recipe add another layer of vitamin C, boosting your immune system. Indeed, these ingredients synergize to create a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and healthful!
What’s more, making Tambis Muffins a staple in your kitchen promotes healthier food choices — just think, you’ve got a dessert that’s low in fat, high in fiber, and absolutely guilt-free. It’s also heart-friendly thanks to the whole grain flour used—and did we mention it’s absolutely delicious?
Perfect Pairings
On the lookout for the perfect companion to your Tambis Muffin? Try pairing it with a fruity berry smoothie for breakfast or with a warm cup of chamomile tea in the evening. They would also work well served along cheeses and cold cuts, providing a sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors, reflecting my Italian background.
Buon appetito,
– Luca
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups fresh tambis (java apple), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep your muffin baking pan by greasing it or lining it with muffin liners.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, break 2 large eggs and beat them lightly. Then proceed to add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients until they are all properly incorporated.
Step Four
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Be careful not to over-stir, mix just enough to combine the two mixtures.
Step Five
Proceed to add 1.5 cups of finely chopped fresh tambis (java apple) into the muffin batter. Add in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Fold the tambis and lemon into the mixture gently until they are evenly distributed.
Step Six
Scoop the muffin batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
Step Seven
Put the muffin pan into the preheated oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Step Eight
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade tambis muffins!
