What are some recipes of elephant apples with chicken?

Elephant apple, scientifically known as Dillenia indica, is a unique tropical fruit that brings a tangy and slightly sour flavor to dishes. While it is commonly used in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines, it's still relatively unknown in Western cooking. However, for those adventurous in the kitchen, elephant apples offer a delightful contrast to more familiar ingredients like chicken.

The combination of chicken with elephant apple creates a refreshing yet savory dish. The tartness of the fruit complements the richness of the meat, creating a perfect balance of flavors. If you're looking to incorporate this unusual ingredient into your cooking, here are some exciting and delicious recipes using elephant apples with chicken.

1. Elephant Apple and Chicken Curry

This dish is one of the most common ways to use elephant apples with chicken. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with the tangy punch of the fruit.

Ingredients:

500g chicken (boneless or with bone)

2 medium elephant apples (peeled and sliced)

2 onions (finely chopped)

2 tomatoes (chopped)

2-3 green chilies (slit)

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons oil

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Elephant Apple: Peel the elephant apples and cut them into thin slices. Boil the slices in a pot of water for 5-10 minutes to soften them. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry until the raw smell disappears.

Add Spices and Tomatoes: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil separates.

Combine Chicken and Elephant Apples: Add the chicken pieces and sauté for a few minutes until the chicken starts to brown. Then, add the pre-cooked elephant apple slices and mix well. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish the Dish: Once the chicken is tender, sprinkle garam masala on top and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or Indian bread (roti or naan).

This curry has a perfect balance of tanginess from the elephant apple and the deep flavors of Indian spices, making it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation.

2. Tangy Elephant Apple Chicken Stew

This stew is lighter than the curry but still packed with flavor. The use of fewer spices allows the tartness of the elephant apple to truly shine.

Ingredients:

500g chicken thighs

1 large elephant apple (peeled and cubed)

1 large onion (sliced)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

2 tablespoons oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1-2 dried red chilies

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 cups chicken stock or water

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Base: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried chilies. Sauté until the seeds start to crackle. Add sliced onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft.

Add Chicken and Spices: Add the chicken thighs to the pot, browning them on both sides. Season with salt and black pepper.

Add Elephant Apple and Stock: Once the chicken is lightly browned, add the cubed elephant apples. Pour in the chicken stock or water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Stew: Lower the heat and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the elephant apple has softened completely. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust seasoning.

Add a Touch of Sweetness: Before serving, stir in a teaspoon of sugar to balance the sourness of the elephant apple. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the stew hot, preferably with steamed rice.

This stew is perfect for a light but flavorful dinner. The tartness of the elephant apple adds an exciting element to the dish, while the chicken and mild spices keep it wholesome.

3. Elephant Apple and Chicken Stir-Fry

For a quick and healthy option, try an elephant apple and chicken stir-fry. This dish combines the sourness of the fruit with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

300g chicken breast (sliced thinly)

1 medium elephant apple (sliced)

1 bell pepper (sliced)

1 carrot (julienned)

2-3 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and elephant apple slices. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Cook the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the chicken slices. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through.

Season the Stir-Fry: Addsoy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauces. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the stir-fry hot with rice or noodles.

This stir-fry is a light, healthy meal that comes together quickly. The elephant apple adds a unique twist to the dish, with its tartness balancing the savory flavors of soy and oyster sauce.

4. Elephant Apple and Chicken Soup

A comforting soup that highlights the flavors of elephant apple and tender chicken, this recipe is ideal for those looking for something nourishing yet tangy.

Ingredients:

500g chicken breast or thighs (shredded)

1 medium elephant apple (peeled and diced)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 inch ginger (sliced)

4 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Sauté Aromatics: Heat a little oil in a pot and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until it turns white.

Simmer the Soup: Add the diced elephant apple and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Season and Serve: Stir in soy sauce and fish sauce if using. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh green onions before serving.

This soup is a light yet flavorful dish, with the sourness of the elephant apple providing a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken broth.

Conclusion

Elephant apples may not be a mainstream ingredient in many households, but their distinctive tang and versatility in the kitchen make them a fantastic companion to chicken. From hearty curries to light stir-fries and soups, these recipes show the different ways you can experiment with this tropical fruit in your meals. Whether you're cooking a traditional curry or a quick stir-fry, elephant apples bring a delightful sourness that elevates even the simplest chicken dishes.