| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 3g | 2g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 2g | 1g | 0.04g |
There’s something magical, something comforting, and something adventurous about whipping up my all-time favorite dish: Grilled Grewia Asiatias with spices. As someone who hails from the beautiful sunny shores of California, where the concept of freshness is almost a way of life, and the proud descendant of Gujarati, with years of incredible Indian culinary heritage flowing through my veins, I’ve found the art of creating dishes that capture both my worlds truly fascinating. Yet, no matter how many eclectic, fusion dishes I make in my well-loved kitchen, I’ve always found something uniquely endearing about this humble dish that resonates with me on a deeper level.
Bringing Worlds Together
So, what is it about these grilled grewia asiaticas that makes me love them so much? Aside from their perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor, what really gets me is how beautifully this recipe brings together the freshness and variety of California’s produce with a classic Indian pairing – fruit and spices. Like a perfect culinary marriage made upon my grill, the natural sweetness of the grewia asiaticas (or Phalsa berries as they are often known) pairs incredibly well with the warm richness of cinnamon and nutmeg. A splash of citrus from freshly squeezed lemon juice and a smidgen of orange zest further elevate the flavors.
A Nod to Health
But these delectable grilled Grewia Asiaticas with spices aren’t just a treat for your taste buds. They are also loaded with health benefits. Packed with a bounty of antioxidants, these tiny berries are a powerhouse of health, touted for their potential to boost immunity and promote heart health. And the aromatic spices aren’t just there for taste – cinnamon is a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, while nutmeg hosts an array of impressive health benefits including pain relief and digestive health.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled Grewia Asiatias with spices are versatile, and work just as well in a lavish weekend brunch spread or a laid-back summer BBQ, served along a refreshing green salad. They also make an excellent comfort dessert when crumbled over a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream or even as a topping on a homemade pizza crust for a delightful, uniquely fruit-topped treat.
What You’ll Need
- 12 ripe Grewia asiaticas (Phalsa Berries)
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of orange zest
- 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 6 skewers for grilling
Method
Step One
Start by carefully washing your ripe Grewia asiaticas in cold water. Make sure all berries are clean and free from dirt or impurities.
Step Two
Next, take a large bowl and mix together the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients until they are fully combined.
Step Three
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the Grewia asiaticas, ensuring each berry is covered. Following that, sprinkle the berries with the orange zest. Stir until all the berries are evenly coated in juice and zest.
Step Four
Then pour the melted unsalted butter over the berries, stirring gently until they are well coated. After that, add the prepared sugar and spice mixture to the bowl of Grewia asiaticas. Make sure each berry is completely covered with the mixture.
Step Five
Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for around 20 minutes to prevent them from burning.
Step Six
Thread the berries onto the skewers, aiming to fit around 2 Grewia asiaticas per skewer. Be sure to leave a little space between each berry to help them cook evenly.
Step Seven
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the berries are grilled to your liking. Be careful to not overcook the berries; they should be tender but not mushy.
Step Eight
Once ready, remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Grilled Grewia Asiatias with spices as a delicious, refreshing snack or dessert.
