What comes to your mind when you hear Sitaphal? Love it or hate it, this tropical fruit is an amazing source of nutrients. Also known as custard apple, it is a delectable fruit that not only tantalises the taste buds but also offers a myriad of health benefits. It has a creamy texture and sweet flavor. Custard apple is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, and iron. Moreover, it does not contain any cholesterol or fats. Loaded with the goodness of nutrients and more, it should definitely be a part of your diet. But if you’re tired of eating sitaphal sabzi, we are sharing with you 3 sitaphal recipes you can try.

Benefits of Sitaphal or custard apple

As mentioned, sitaphal or custard apple is a powerhouse of nutrients that offers numerous benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, which have anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Did you know that antioxidant-rich foods such as sitaphal eliminate free radicals from the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease?

Studies have also found that custard apple benefits also include supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. It is also a good option for people with diabetes and liver problems. However, it is advised not to consume the seeds of this fruit, only the flesh as the seeds can be toxic.

Custard apple recipes that you must try!

Here are 3 delicious recipes prepared using sitaphal by Food Scientist & Restaurateur, Neha Deepak Shah. She recently shared these recipes on her Instagram.

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1. Sitaphal ice cream

If you love eating ice cream, this sitaphal ice cream is a must for you!

Ingredients:

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• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup fresh cream
• 1 cup milk powder
• 1 cup sitaphal pulp
• 1/2 to 3/4 of sugar (depends on your taste_
• Set aside 1/4 extra sitaphal pulp

How to make it?

Put milk, fresh cream, milk powder, sitaphal pulp, and sugar in a blender. Once it’s blended well, pour the mixture into a container and put it in the freezer. Once the mixture is semi-set, add the extra pulp you saved in the ice cream and freeze again. Your ice cream is ready to enjoy!

Pro tip from the expert: Since the ice cream contains no corn flour or stabilisers, it may need 5-7 minutes to soften before you take a scoop.

2. Sitaphal Basundi

A light, refreshing sweet, you can try sitaphal basundi once in a while. However, people with an underlying disease should consult a doctor to know if they can include it in their diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 litre of milk which has been cooked and reduced to half
• 2 big sitaphal
• 2 to 3 tablespoon sugar
• 2 to 3 whole elaichis (cardamom)
• 1/2 tsp elaichi powder
• Nuts, and rose petals to garnish

How to prepare?

Add sugar (or a healthy alternative), cardamom, and cardamom powder to the milk and let it boil until it’s reduced to half. Once it’s done, let it come to room temperature and add sitaphal pulp to it. Garnish with rose petals, nuts, or varq. Now, enjoy!

3. Sitaphal Angoori Basundi

To prepare balls:

• Milk
• Sugar syrup (or honey syrup, maple syrup to make it healthy)

For the Basundi:

• 1 litre of milk which has been cooked and reduced to half
• 2 big sitaphal
• 2 to 3 tablespoon sugar (or a healthy alternative)
• Nuts, and rose petals to garnish

How to prepare?

For this, you will need to make chhena first. For it you will need to heat the milk until it boils, then add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle it. Strain the mixture and press out the whey. Get rid of all the water and begin kneading it. Now, prepare small balls and cook them in sugar syrup (or a healthy alternative). Let it cook for 8-9 minutes. Switch off the flame and let it sit.

As milk balls cool down, cook some milk in a bowl and let it reduce to half. Once it is done, add sitaphal pulp to the milk and blend well in a blender. Pour the mixture into a bowl and add the balls after squeezing them out. Let it cool down and garnish with rose petals, nuts, or varq.

Keep in mind: You can use sugar alternatives like honey, maple syrup or natural sweeteners to make it healthier. Also, people with an underlying disease should ask their doctor first before making any changes to their diet.