Sardinian-style Rujak Tumbuk

Ingredients

In the Sardinian-style adaptation of Rujak Tumbuk, we replace the traditional Indonesian spices and ingredients with Sardinian flavors. Instead of using chili peppers, shrimp paste, and tamarind, we incorporate fennel, pecorino cheese, and olive oil. This adaptation adds a distinct Sardinian touch to the dish, creating a fusion of tropical and Mediterranean flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Rujak tumbuk, so you can check it out.

• 1 pineapple, peeled and cubed 1 pineapple, peeled and cubed
• 1 mango, peeled and cubed 1 mango, peeled and cubed
• 1 papaya, peeled and cubed 1 papaya, peeled and cubed
• 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) pecorino cheese, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) pecorino cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 10g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (25g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, mango, papaya, fennel, and pecorino cheese.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and honey to make the dressing.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the fruit and fennel mixture, and toss gently to coat.
4. 4.
   Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pineapple — Make sure to choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma and golden color. If the pineapple is not fully ripe, it may be too tart for the salad.
• Fennel — When slicing the fennel, make sure to remove the tough outer layer and use only the tender bulb. The fronds can be reserved for garnishing, if desired.
• Pecorino cheese — Opt for a high-quality pecorino cheese with a firm texture. If pecorino is not available, you can substitute it with a mild sheep's milk cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the salad.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey, according to your taste preference.
• Serve the salad as a refreshing side dish or as a light and healthy dessert option.
• Feel free to experiment with different tropical fruits based on availability and personal preference.
• Garnish the salad with some toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios for added crunch.

Serving advice

Sardinian-style Rujak Tumbuk is best served chilled. It can be enjoyed as a standalone salad or as a side dish alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken. Serve it in a large bowl or individual plates, and garnish with fennel fronds or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the dish, arrange the colorful fruits and fennel slices in an attractive pattern on the serving plate. Drizzle the dressing over the top and sprinkle some crumbled pecorino cheese as a finishing touch. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures will make the salad visually enticing.