Rujak - Indonesian Spicy Fruit Salad

Ingredients

• 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ripe papaya, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 ripe papaya, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cucumber, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 dragon fruit, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 star fruit, sliced 1 star fruit, sliced
• 2 red chilies, finely chopped 2 red chilies, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 3 tablespoons palm sugar, grated 3 tablespoons palm sugar, grated
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• 2 tablespoons fried shallots 2 tablespoons fried shallots

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 / 753
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g / 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g / 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, mango, papaya, cucumber, dragon fruit, and star fruit.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix the chopped chilies, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and lime juice to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the fruits and toss gently to coat them evenly.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crushed peanuts and fried shallots over the salad as a garnish.
5. 5.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Choose a ripe pineapple with a sweet aroma and golden color. The sweetness of the pineapple will balance the spiciness of the dressing.
• Tamarind paste — Soak the tamarind pulp in warm water for 10 minutes, then strain it to obtain the paste. Adjust the amount of tamarind paste according to your desired level of tanginess.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few slices of bird's eye chili to the dressing.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits to create your own unique flavor combination.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing by adding more or less palm sugar and tamarind paste.
• To make the salad more filling, add some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken as a protein option.
• Serve the Rujak chilled for a refreshing experience.

Serving advice

Rujak is best served as a refreshing appetizer or a light snack. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a platter to showcase the colorful fruits and garnishes.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fruits in an appealing manner, creating a visually pleasing display of colors. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts and fried shallots on top to add texture and enhance the presentation. Consider serving the Rujak in individual bowls or on small plates for an elegant touch.