| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 10g | 3g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 2g | 5g | 0.43g |
Let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorites, Fried Durian Balls! Raised in California, I’ve always been surrounded by fresh, vibrant fruits, which inevitably sparked my love for crafting fruit-based delights. This recipe seamlessly combines my respect for nature’s bounty with my penchant for comfort foods, resulting in a lush sphere of aromatic durian encapsulated in a divine, crispy shell.
Health and Happiness in a Bite
I adore this recipe not only for its addictively indulgent taste, but also for its health aspects. Durian, the main star of our recipe, is a nutritional powerhouse. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. It’s also packed with vitamin C, making it a great immune booster, and vitamin B-complex. How wonderfully gratifying to enjoy a delicious sweet treat knowing it’s doing our body some good!
Frying Versus Baking
Now, you might be thinking, “Fried? Isn’t that unhealthy?” And typically, you’d be right. But in moderation and using the right oils, frying can be part of a balanced diet. And besides, sometimes you need a little friable crunch to balance out the custard-like texture of the durian flesh.
A Perfect Harmony With Other Dishes
Fried Durian Balls pair beautifully with so many other dishes. Try them with a refreshing cucumber or jicama salad, or serve them atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert combo. If you’re a durian newcomer, consider easing into the experience by pairing these with less adventurous flavors – perhaps a classic vanilla ice cream or a simple cucumber salad.
In my kitchen, the Fried Durian Balls recipe is reminiscent of popular dough-made desserts, like donut holes or beignets, but certainly with that unique durian twist. And as for my own family – my three kids, adopted from different parts of the globe, find joy and a sense of togetherness in exploring new flavors and textures, reminding us that food is a universal language, connecting across cultures and palates.
What You’ll Need
- 2 Cups of Durian flesh
- 1 Cup of white sugar
- 2 Teaspoons of lemon juice
- 1 1/2 Cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 Teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 Cup of buttermilk
- 1 Large egg
- 1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Oil for deep frying
- 1/2 Cup of powdered sugar for dusting
Method
Step One
First, take the durian flesh and place it in a large bowl. Add the white sugar, lemon juice, and mix well until the sugar is completely absorbed by the durian flesh.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Three
In a small bowl, beat the large egg, and then add the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients well before adding them into the bowl with the durian mixture. Stir all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
Step Four
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the durian mixture. Ensure you stir continuously to avoid lumps from forming. The final mixture should be thick enough to be shaped into balls but not too dry.
Step Five
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot enough, scoop the durian mixture with a teaspoon and drop it into the hot oil. Depending on the size of your frying pan, you can fry several balls at a time. Make sure you turn the balls occasionally to ensure they are evenly browned.
Step Six
Once the durian balls are golden brown, remove them from the heat and place them on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.
Step Seven
While the durian balls are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to give them a sweet and enticing exterior.
Step Eight
Let the Fried Durian Balls cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
