| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 11g | 7g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 54g | 5g | 1g | 0.1g |
Among the multitude of vibrant recipes that have danced on my plate and palate, the Grilled Mamey Apple with Honey holds a special place. Recreating this dish is like transporting myself back to Miami, the city that exemplifies the rhythm of Cuban culture with a Spanish twist, reminiscent of my own roots.
The Dance of Ingredients
Every recipe is like a dance, accompanied by its own unique music made by the syncopation of flavors. The Grilled Mamey Apple with Honey is no exception, its ingredients working in harmony in a spectacular flavor conga line. Starting with the mamey apple, a tropical fruit native to Central America, this recipe introduces a distinct, sweet and slightly nutty flavor. This dance partner is then paired with honey, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest, creating a ballet of taste and fragrance that celebrates a tapestry of tropical senses.
The addition of unsalted butter and granulated sugar elevates the textural element, resulting in a perfectly caramelized, glossy finish. With each bite, you will instantly recognize the velvety texture and the intense fruitiness of the mamey apple, harmonized by a sweet, tart, and citrusy melody of flavors. Finally, the mint garnish adds a refreshing finale, resulting in an encore of taste sensations.
Delights of Health Benefits and Pairings
As much as this dish appeals to the taste buds, it also comes with numerous health benefits. Mamey apples are not only enticingly delicious, they are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants – an excellent choice for a guilt-free dessert. This dish is low in sodium and boasts anti-inflammatory properties, owing to the honey and lemon. It’s a delightful sweet-treat that caters not just to your palate, but also to your overall wellbeing.
The Grilled Mamey Apple with Honey can be served standalone as a divine dessert or paired on a tapas-style menu. The caramelized sweetness of this dish could be wonderfully offset by the salty, tanginess of dishes like Manchego cheese and olives, anchovies on toast, or a traditional Spanish tortilla. Its versatility also allows it to be paired with a refreshing Mojito or a heart-warming cup of coffee, truly encapsulating the essence of both Cuban and Spanish culture in each serving.
Every time I make this Grilled Mamey Apple with Honey, I treasure the memories of my Miami days, the sweet symphony of my heritage, and the beauty of creating a dish that preserves those memories and honors my ancestry.
What You’ll Need
- 6 mamey apples
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 6 sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Method
Step One:
First you will need to start your grill and let it preheat. While the grill is preheating, you’ll need to wash and slice your mamey apples in half, removing the seeds as you go.
Step Two:
Melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, stirring until it’s fully dissolved into the butter. Following this, stir in the 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, teaspoon of ground cinnamon, the grated zest of one lemon and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Continuously mix until the ingredients are properly blended together.
Step Three:
Brush the mamey apple halves generously with the honey butter mixture, making sure to cover all areas.
Step Four:
Once your grill is at the desired heat, place the mamey apple halves onto the grill, cut side down. Leave them to grill for around five minutes or until they have grill marks and are slightly tender.
Step Five:
Brush the apples again with remaining honey butter mixture after removing them from the grill, then allow them cool slightly before serving.
Step Six:
To serve, place the grilled mamey apples onto a serving dish and drizzle any remaining honey butter mixture over them. Finally, garnish each apple half with a sprig of fresh mint for an added pop of color and burst of freshness.
