APPLE SAASAM (Apples in a sweet, spicy Coconut Masala Curry)

Apple Saasam is a south Indian Konkani style, no cook coconut based curry with apples and grapes in a sweet, spicy and tangy mustard flavored, freshly ground coconut masala, enjoyed as a side dish with our meals or even as a dessert!

This is a variation of the traditional Avnaas Ambe Saasam in which we use pineapples and seasonal ripe mangoes.

Here I have used fresh apples and it makes for a dish that you can make all year round!

Yes, yes, I know another apple dish! Well, all those juicy apples from a local orchard which were enjoyed fresh as a fruit are now languishing in the fridge with no one willing to eat them!

So, I have had to rustle up new dishes to use them up. Case in point, Apple Pie Tart, Apple Thokku, Upside Down Caramelized Apple Cake etc.

Now, it is Apple Saasam.

APPLE SAASAM

Saasam is nothing but "mustard seeds" in our language Konkani.  We basically blend raw black mustard seeds with coconut and red chilies (either dry red chili or you could use red chili powder or Kashmiri red chili powder) and then add chopped apples to it.

I decided to stir in some fresh garden grapes too! You can add fresh, ripe  mango chunks, chopped pineapple or even bananas if you want.

Traditionally, we make saasam with mangoes and pineapple during peak mango season in summer when the markets start flooding with these gorgeous “King of Fruits”! You can find that original saasam recipe for Avnaas Ambe Saasam here.

Being fall right now, it is flooded with a variety of fresh, juicy apples! So, it was apple saasam this time.

It is always best to consume seasonal fruits for the most nutritional benefit don't you think?

KONKANI STYLE SAASAM:

Basically, it is a coconut based masala gravy flavored with mustard seeds (called "saasam" in Konkani) and then sweetened with jaggery. Roasted dry red chillies (just 1 or at the most 2) are added for the spicy element.

For the sour element, I have added tamarind here. As you are blending the masala, you can use it in paste form or as fresh tamarind.

ADDED FRUITS:

To make the sweet and spicy version of saasam, traditionally pineapples and mangoes are added like the one I have made HERE. This dish does not need extra tamarind as pineapples have a tart flavor to begin with!

But for the apple version, you will have to add tamarind. Once the fruits are cut up, just mix into the sweetened coconut masala and serve chilled!

I have also added grapes (use the seedless variety) along with juicy dried black raisins!

In addition to pineapples, mangoes and apples, you can add any other fruit you like oranges, bananas, apricots, pomegranate etc.

So, do try this no-cook, oil-free, sweet, spicy and tangy Apple Saasam with grapes and raisins and serve as a side dish or dessert with any meal!

Enjoy!

More Apple Delights:

• Apple Fritters/Pakoras
• Eggless Super Moist Apple and Carrot Cake
• Eggless Apple Pie Pockets
• Apple Kesari Bhaat/Sweet Saffron Flavored Rice with Apples

Print

Yum

Apple Saasam/Sasam | Apples in a sweet, spicy Coconut Masala Curry

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Serving Size: 4

Apple Saasam/sasam is a Konkani style no-cook, oil-free curry with apples and grapes in a sweet, spicy and tangy mustard flavored coconut masala, best served as a side dish or even dessert!

Ingredients

• 2 large apples
• 1/2 cup grapes, seedless
• 2 tablespoons black raisins
FOR THE COCONUT MASALA/GRAVY:
• ½ cup grated coconut (fresh, frozen or even unsweetened desiccated coconut)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1-2 dry red chilies, lightly roasted (or 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder0
• ½ teaspoon tamarind paste/1 small marble sized tamarind
• ½ cup grated jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) or to taste
• Pinch of salt
OPTIONAL ADD INS:
• Chopped Pineapples
• Chopped mangoes
• Cubed/sliced ripe bananas

Instructions

TO PREPARE THE FRUITS:
1. Wash, core and peel the apples and then chop into bite sized pieces.
2. Cut grapes into 2 pieces each.
TO MAKE THE COCONUT MASALA GRAVY:
3. In a blender jar, make a smooth paste of coconut, mustard seeds, roasted dry red chilies and tamarind.
4. Transfer the paste to a bowl. Add ½ cup jaggery or to taste along with salt.
5. Stir in enough water to make a gravy neither too thick nor too thin. Adjust according to your preference, some prefer thick and some thin.
6. Add chopped apples, grapes and raisins.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish along with rice and dal or any other meal!
8. Store leftovers in the refrigerator; best eaten fresh, the same day.
9. Enjoy!!

Notes

Do not be tempted to add more red chillies as then the curry will be spicy. Start with 1 then add more if needed. This saasam is meant to be very mild.

You can use any fruit like pineapples, mangoes (fresh, canned or frozen), bananas, fresh apricots, peaches, grapes etc.

Adding some nuts enhances the texture. So add cashew nuts or even walnuts if you prefer.

Enjoy and Happy Eating!

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by Yummly Rich Recipes

0.1

https://curryandvanilla.com/apple-saasam-sasam-apples-in-a-sweet-spicy-coconut-masala-curry/

PIN or SHARE:

Sharing this with:

Angie's FiestaFriday along with co-hosts this week Antonia @ Zoale.com and Laurena @ Life Diet Health

If you like my posts and recipes; don’t forget to follow me on:

Facebook @ curryandvanilla

Pinterest @ curryandvanilla

Instagram @ curryandvanilla16

Twitter @ curryandvanilla

Google Plus  @ Vanitha Bhat

Have fun cooking, eating and sharing!!!!