| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 260 | 16g | 6g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 10g | 0.39g |
The recipe for Pan Fried Sokos with Rosemary and Garlic conjures up memories of early weekend mornings in my beloved Atlanta kitchen, with the scent of Southern home cooking wafting in the air. The very heart and soul of this recipe, mixing Southern American flair with Nigerian zest, are fresh sokos; an exotic fruit that brings a unique and irresistible flavor to this dish. The African version of the soko fruit lends the dish an incomparable tang, a national treasure in my parents’ native Nigeria.
A Recipe That Dances on Your Tongue
The convergence of West African spice and Southern warmth in this recipe is what makes it truly special. Marrying the taste of soko fruit, a common ingredient in Nigerian home cooking, with traditional Southern ingredients like butter, rosemary, and garlic is a novel but intuitive choice. The ambiance of memories of both my homes comes alive with every bite.
Health Factor: Nutritious & Delicious
Soko fruit is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It’s a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. The garlic, besides its antibacterial properties, is known to help lower blood pressure. The olive oil in the recipe adds wholesome monounsaturated fats much needed in our diets. So, it’s not just a delicious recipe, it’s also a treat for your health.
As for dish pairing, if you’re looking for full, satisfying meals, African chicken peanut stew, served alongside our delicious pan-fried sokos, makes a significant and hearty meal combination. Alternatively, if you want something lighter, pair this with a simple mango salsa, they go together brilliantly.
Our Pan Fried Sokos with rosemary and garlic recipe celebrates not only my personal heritage but also a fusion of flavors that might be unique to your palate. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite dish on the dinner table.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fresh sokos (fruit)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by thoroughly washing the sokos, then patting them dry using a kitchen towel. If necessary, remove the seeds and any tough exterior from the fruit.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and mix together the salt and black pepper, then toss the prepared sokos in this seasoning until they are well-coated.
Step Three
In a heavy skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and rosemary sprigs, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
Step Four
Add the seasoned sokos to the pan, arranging them in a single layer. Fry them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they become nicely browned and tender. Be sure to turn the sokos a couple of times during cooking to ensure they are evenly cooked.
Step Five
Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the optional white wine, letting the alcohol evaporate. If you choose not to use wine, you can add a little water or broth to the pan instead.
Step Six
Return the pan to the heat and let the sokos simmer in the juices for another minute, making sure the alcohol from the wine has fully evaporated if used. Remove the rosemary sprigs before serving.
Step Seven
Finally, serve the pan-fried sokos hot, accompanied by lemon wedges. They can be squeezed over the sokos for added flavor just before eating.
