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As strawberry season is officially begun in India, the milkshakes and jams take over our kitchen and fill it with the sweet, fruity smell of the pink berries. While the joy of firm, juicy strawberries dipped in dark chocolate is unmatched, nothing quite beats the fun in dunking a few fresh berries in whipped cream either. The idea associated with strawberries – while mostly sweet – can also be a major flavour contributor to savoury dishes. Their scent and tartness complement strong flavours of vegetables, meat and even seafood. Here are some delicious and creative ways to use strawberries in savoury preparations.
Strawberry Salsa
Image Credits: Flickr
Make a tart-tangy salsa by combining diced strawberries, red onion, jalapeños, coriander, lime juice and a pinch of salt to pair with grilled fish, chicken or even as a topping for tacos. Make a large batch of the salsa and refrigerate in small jars to enjoy as individual portions with chips, toasted pita and even to top off your avocado toast for breakfast – in order to experience a burst of fresh flavours.
Strawberry Salad
Mix sliced strawberries with baby spinach or arugula, crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts and a balsamic vinaigrette to create a refreshing salad that works well as a side dish to your main meal or even a small plate. Add some tofu, chicken or poached prawns to your salad and bulk it up for a light lunch or dinner. Pair the delicate strawberry salad with grilled lobster, lamb chops or chicken for a meal that is equivalent of gourmet status.
Strawberry Bruschetta
Image Credits: Flickr
Need a quick appetiser that is seasonal? Make a bruschetta topping using strawberries, basil, olive oil and black pepper to spoon onto toasted baguette slices for a delightful snack. Strawberries, much like tomatoes, have a fruity, pulpy quality to them that is similar when experienced against the crisp crustiness of the baguette or sourdough crouton. Add some fresh rosemary or dried oregano to amplify the flavour and crumble some salty goat or feta cheese to finish off.
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Strawberry Gazpacho
A unique cold soup that blends fresh strawberries with tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, garlic and a splash of vinegar — the gazpacho is perfect for warm days. Serve the fruity-tart gazpacho with some grilled focaccia bread to mop up any leftovers in the bowl, or even as a soup course before a sit-down dinner. If you like your soup to have the right balance of tart and sweet, use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones.
Strawberry Pizza
Image Credits: Kitchen Stories
While a dessert pizza is the natural idea that comes to mind, when one thinks of strawberries, topping up a savoury pizza with a layer of goat cheese or ricotta, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced ham and a drizzle of balsamic glaze is an unusual but delicious treat. Like most people who are divided about pineapple on their pizza, having strawberries on pizza can also seem like a ridiculous but interesting concept for those who are open to trying new flavour combinations. Echoing the sweet flavours of the tomato sauce which brings out the tartness from the berries to the forefront, this pizza is sure to pique your curiosity.
Strawberry Spring Rolls
Image Credits: VICTAE
Put a twist to the classic Vietnamese spring rolls with a touch of tartness from bright pink strawberries that add a juicy and fruity flavour. Combine with julienned vegetables like carrots and purple cabbage, along with blanched shrimp or shreds of cooked chicken – all rolled into a parcel in thin rice paper rolls. Serve these delicious rolls with a dipping sauce on the side; you could also make these rolls completely vegan by eliminating the meat and dairy and replacing it with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
