<br />Fresh Santol fruit is a delicious tropical fruit with a unique flavor that is popular in many countries. It can be eaten fresh as a snack or used in various recipes to create flavorful dishes. One of the most common ways to cook Santol is by making a savory and tangy Santol Ginataan, a Filipino dish that combines the fruit with coconut milk. Here's a simple recipe for you to try:<br /><br />Santol Ginataan (Santol in Coconut Milk)<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />2-3 fresh Santol fruits<br />1 can (400 ml) coconut milk<br />1 cup water<br />1 small onion, finely chopped<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, julienned<br />1-2 tablespoons cooking oil<br />2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)<br />Salt and pepper to taste<br />Optional: chili pepper (to add spice)<br />Instructions:<br /><br />Prepare the Santol fruit by peeling off the skin and removing the seeds. Cut the Santol flesh into bite-sized pieces. If the fruit is very sour, you may want to soak the pieces in salted water for a few minutes to reduce the sourness. Then, drain and set aside.<br /><br />In a large pot or pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.<br /><br />Add the minced garlic and julienned ginger to the pot. Sauté for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.<br /><br />Pour in the coconut milk and water, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.<br /><br />Add the prepared Santol pieces to the pot, and let it cook in the coconut milk mixture for about 10-15 minutes or until the fruit becomes tender.<br /><br />Season the dish with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.<br /><br />If you want to add some spiciness to the dish, you can also add a chopped chili pepper at this stage.<br /><br />Continue to simmer the Santol Ginataan for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.<br /><br />Once the Santol is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the pot from the heat.<br /><br />Serve the Santol Ginataan while it's still hot, and enjoy it with steamed rice.<br /><br />Santol Ginataan offers a wonderful combination of sweet, sour, and creamy flavors, making it a delightful and unique dish. It's a great way to enjoy the fresh Santol fruit and experience the taste of the countryside cuisine.<br /><br />Note: The taste of Santol can vary depending on its ripeness, so you might need to adjust the level of sweetness or sourness by adding a bit of sugar or calamansi/lemon juice, respectively, if needed.
