by What comes to your mind when you hear Sitaphal? Love it or hate it, this tropical fruit is an incredible source of nutrients. Also known as custard apple, it is a delicious fruit that not only delights the taste buds but also offers a myriad of health benefits. It has a creamy texture and a sweet flavor. Custard apple is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium and iron. In addition, it does not contain cholesterol or fats. Loaded with nutrients and so much more, it should definitely be a part of your diet. But if you are tired of eating sabzi sitaphal, we share with you 3 sitaphal recipes that you can try.
Benefits of Sitaphal or apple and cream
As mentioned, the sitaphal or custard apple is a powerhouse of nutrients that offers many benefits. They are rich in antioxidants which have anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Did you know that antioxidant-rich foods like sitaphal remove free radicals from the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease?
Studies have also shown that custard apple benefits also include supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also a good option for people with diabetes and liver problems. However, it is recommended not to eat the seeds of this fruit, only the flesh because the seeds can be toxic.
Apples and Cream Recipes You Have to Try!
Here are 3 delicious recipes prepared using sitaphal by food scientist and restaurateur Neha Deepak Shah. She recently shared these recipes on her Instagram.
1. Sitaphal Ice Cream
If you like to eat ice cream, this sitaphal ice cream is a must for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of crème fraîche
- 1 cup of powdered milk
- 1 cup of sitaphal pulp
- 1/2 to 3/4 sugar (according to your taste_
- Reserve 1/4 additional sitaphal pulp
How to do it?
Put the milk, crème fraîche, milk powder, sitaphal pulp and sugar in a blender. Once mixed well, pour the mixture into a container and put it in the freezer. Once the mixture is half set, add the excess pulp that you saved in the ice and freeze again. Your ice cream is ready to be enjoyed!
Pro tip from the expert: Since ice cream contains no corn flour or stabilizers, it may need 5 to 7 minutes to soften before you scoop up a spoon.
2. Sitaphal Basundi
A light and refreshing sweet, you can try sitaphal basundi every now and then. However, people with an underlying illness should consult a doctor about whether they can include it in their diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of milk, cooked and reduced by half
- 2 large sitaphales
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 to 3 whole elaichis (cardamom)
- 1/2 teaspoon elaichi powder
- Walnuts and rose petals to garnish
How to prepare?
Add sugar (or a healthy alternative), cardamom and cardamom powder to the milk and boil until reduced by half. Once done, let it come to room temperature and add sitaphalus pulp to it. Garnish with rose petals, nuts or varq. Now enjoy!
3. Sitaphal Angoori Basundi
To prepare the balls:
- Milk
- Sugar syrup (or honey syrup, maple syrup to make it healthy)
For the Basundis:
- 1 liter of milk, cooked and reduced by half
- 2 large sitaphales
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar (or a healthy alternative)
- Walnuts and rose petals to garnish
How to prepare?
For this, you will first need to prepare chhena. To do this, you will need to heat the milk until it boils, then add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle it. Filter the mixture and squeeze out the whey. Get rid of all the water and start kneading it. Now prepare small balls and cook them in sugar syrup (or a healthy alternative). Cook for 8 to 9 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest.
While the milk balls are cooling, cook some milk in a bowl and let it reduce by half. Once done, add the sitaphal pulp to the milk and mix well in a blender. Pour the mixture into a bowl and add the balls after draining them. Leave to cool and decorate with rose petals, nuts or varq.
Keep in mind: you can use sugar alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or natural sweeteners to make it healthier. Additionally, people with an underlying condition should first consult their doctor before changing their diet.
