Awadhi-style Fruit Preserve

Ingredients

In this Awadhi adaptation of the Hungarian lekvár, we incorporate the distinct flavors and spices of Awadhi cuisine. The original lekvár is typically made with a variety of fruits, sugar, and lemon juice. However, in this Awadhi version, we enhance the flavors by adding cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon, which are commonly used in Awadhi cooking. These spices infuse the preserve with a rich and aromatic taste, giving it a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Lekvár, so you can check it out.

• 500g (2 cups) mixed ripe fruits (mangoes, apricots, plums) 500g (2 cups) mixed ripe fruits (mangoes, apricots, plums)
• 200g (1 cup) sugar 200g (1 cup) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands A pinch of saffron strands
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 28g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash and peel the fruits. Remove the pits and chop them into small pieces.
2. 2.
   In a large saucepan, combine the chopped fruits, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron strands, and cinnamon stick.
3. 3.
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the fruits become soft and release their juices.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 30-40 minutes, or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
5. 5.
   Stir in the lemon juice and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the cinnamon stick and let the preserve cool completely.
7. 7.
   Transfer the preserve to sterilized jars and store in a cool, dry place.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fruits — Ensure that the fruits are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture and flavor in the preserve.
• Saffron strands — Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes before adding them to the preserve. This will help release their vibrant color and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• You can customize the fruit combination according to your preference and seasonal availability.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of rose water or kewra water to the preserve.
• Serve the Awadhi-style Fruit Preserve on toast, pancakes, or as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt.
• Store the preserve in sterilized jars to ensure its freshness and longevity.
• To enhance the presentation, garnish the jars with a few strands of saffron before sealing.

Serving advice

Spread this delectable Awadhi-style Fruit Preserve generously on warm toast or freshly baked bread for a delightful breakfast or snack. It also pairs beautifully with traditional Awadhi desserts like Shahi Tukda or Gulab Jamun.

Presentation advice

Present the Awadhi-style Fruit Preserve in elegant glass jars, showcasing its vibrant color and inviting texture. Tie a decorative ribbon around the jar lids for an added touch of sophistication.