Star Fruit Anchar (Carambola)
Recipe Overview
Overview
Star Fruit Anchar is a delightful Caribbean condiment that brings a unique twist to your meals. The process begins with dehydrating star fruit slices in the oven, which intensifies their flavor and prepares them to soak up the spices. This recipe uses scotch bonnet peppers, known for their fiery heat, combined with anchar masala, a flavorful spice blend that adds depth to the dish.
The preparation is straightforward: after dehydrating the star fruit, you blend it with the peppers and oil to create a vibrant puree. Cooking this mixture gently allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tangy and spicy condiment that pairs perfectly with curries or grilled meats. The oil used in the recipe not only enhances the flavor but also serves as a medium for the spices, making it a crucial component of the dish.
Once cooled, the anchar can be stored in glass containers, where it will keep for months, making it a great addition to your pantry. This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the experience of creating something that reflects Caribbean culture and flavors. Whether you’re familiar with star fruit or trying it for the first time, this anchar is sure to impress and add a burst of flavor to your meals.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Slice three star fruits about 3/4 cm thick.
Place sliced star fruit in the oven at 175°C for about 90 minutes to dehydrate.
Gather four Scotch bonnet peppers, anchar masala, salt, and rough chopped garlic.
In a magic bullet, puree garlic and hot peppers with vegetable oil.
Tip: Use a bit of texture when pureeing garlic and hot peppers.
In a wide pan, heat the puree on medium-low flame.
Cook the puree gently for about 5 to 10 minutes until rawness is cooked out.
Tip: Use green, not overly ripe star fruits for better results.
Add salt to balance the tartness of the star fruits.
Tip: If desired, add chopped Shadow Benny (culantro) for extra flavor.
Add anchar masala to the pan and continue cooking.
Stir the mixture well to coat all pieces with the anchar base.
Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Tip: Allow the anchar to cool before storing it.
Transfer the cooled anchar into a glass container for storage.
Tip: Use a glass container for storage to avoid flavor absorption from plastic.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Star fruit, also known as carambola, is typically used in tropical dishes for its unique flavor and appearance.
- •Dehydrating the star fruit enhances its flavor and allows it to absorb the spices better.
- •Scotch bonnet peppers are known for their heat and are a staple in Caribbean cooking.
- •Anchar masala is a spice blend that adds depth and complexity to pickled fruits and vegetables.
