East African Coconut Fruit Salad

Ingredients

In this East African adaptation, the traditional Vietnamese Chè Thái is transformed into a coconut-based fruit salad. The original dish typically includes ingredients like jackfruit, lychee, and coconut milk. However, to suit the East African cuisine, we have replaced some of the original ingredients with locally available tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and papayas. The coconut milk has been incorporated into a creamy dressing, adding a touch of richness to the salad. We alse have the original recipe for Chè Thái, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (300g) mangoes, diced 2 cups (300g) mangoes, diced
• 2 cups (300g) pineapples, diced 2 cups (300g) pineapples, diced
• 2 cups (300g) bananas, sliced 2 cups (300g) bananas, sliced
• 2 cups (300g) papayas, diced 2 cups (300g) papayas, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
• 1/4 cup (30g) shredded coconut, toasted (for garnish) 1/4 cup (30g) shredded coconut, toasted (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 24g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, pineapples, bananas, and papayas.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, honey, and lime juice until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the coconut dressing over the fruits and gently toss to coat.
4. 4.
   Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Before serving, garnish the salad with toasted shredded coconut.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mangoes — Choose ripe mangoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Pineapples — Remove the tough core before dicing the pineapple.
• Bananas — Use slightly firm bananas to maintain their shape in the salad.
• Papayas — Remove the seeds and skin before dicing the papayas.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure it is properly mixed.

Tips & Tricks

• For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped roasted peanuts over the salad.
• Customize the salad by adding other tropical fruits like passion fruit or guava.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
• Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing experience.
• To make it more indulgent, top the salad with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream.

Serving advice

Serve the East African Coconut Fruit Salad in individual bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut for added texture and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider serving the salad in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell. This adds a tropical touch and makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.