Durian Treats & Recipes

How to Cook Hearty Durians: A Culinary Adventure

Lucy

Durian, often dubbed the “King of Fruits,” is a tropical delight that has a polarizing reputation. Its strong aroma can be overwhelming for some, yet its creamy, custard-like flesh is a delicacy adored by many. While durians are typically enjoyed raw, cooking them opens up a whole new world of flavors and textures. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure to explore how to cook hearty durians, transforming them into savory and sweet dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Understanding Durian: The Basics

Before we dive into the recipes, it’s essential to understand the fruit we’re working with. Durian is native to Southeast Asia and comes in several varieties, each with its unique flavor profile. The most common types include:

  1. Musang King (Mao Shan Wang): Known for its rich, buttery texture and bittersweet taste.
  2. D24 (Sultan): Creamy and sweet, with a slight bitterness.
  3. Red Prawn (Udang Merah): Soft, sweet, and slightly sticky.
  4. XO: Bitter and alcoholic, with a strong aftertaste.

Choosing the right variety for your dish is crucial. For savory dishes, Musang King and D24 work well due to their balanced flavors. For desserts, the sweeter varieties like Red Prawn are perfect.

Savory Dishes: Elevating Durian to New Heights

Durian Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile dish, and adding durian gives it an exotic twist. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup durian flesh (preferably Musang King)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Cooking: Add the bell pepper and carrot, and cook until they start to soften. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan.
  3. Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, scrambling them until they are fully cooked.
  4. Rice and Durian: Add the cooked rice and durian flesh. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking the durian into smaller pieces.
  5. Seasoning: Add soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Final Touch: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

The result is a fragrant, savory fried rice with bursts of creamy durian that adds a unique flavor dimension to this classic dish.

Durian Curry

Durian curry is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the richness of durian with the aromatic spices of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup durian flesh (preferably D24)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, green beans)
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  2. Spices: Stir in the curry powder and turmeric, cooking for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
  3. Coconut Milk and Broth: Add the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Durian: Add the durian flesh and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

This durian curry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or warm naan bread, making for a filling and flavorful meal.

Sweet Treats: Durian Desserts to Swoon Over

Durian Ice Cream

Durian ice cream is a popular dessert that perfectly showcases the fruit’s creamy texture and rich flavor. Making it at home is surprisingly easy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups durian flesh (preferably Red Prawn)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Blend: In a blender, puree the durian flesh until smooth.
  2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the durian puree, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Chill: Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
  4. Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

The result is a luxuriously creamy ice cream with the unmistakable flavor of durian, perfect for a hot day or as a decadent dessert.

Durian Cheesecake

Durian cheesecake combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the unique flavor of durian. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup durian flesh (preferably D24), pureed

Instructions:

  1. Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and durian puree until well combined.
  3. Bake: Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Each slice of this durian cheesecake is a creamy, indulgent delight with a hint of tropical flavor.

Experimenting with Durian: Tips and Tricks

Cooking with durian can be an exciting culinary adventure, but here are some tips to ensure success:

  1. Choosing the Right Durian: Select a durian that’s slightly soft to the touch and has a strong, pleasant aroma. Avoid durians with a sour smell, as they may be overripe.
  2. Handling Durian: Durian has a thorny exterior, so handle it with care. Wear gloves or use a towel to protect your hands when opening it.
  3. Balancing Flavors: Durian has a strong flavor, so pair it with ingredients that complement rather than overpower it. Ingredients like coconut milk, garlic, and ginger work well in savory dishes, while cream and vanilla are great for desserts.
  4. Storage: If you’re not using all the durian at once, store the remaining flesh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts …

Cooking with durian may seem intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and delicious experience. From savory fried rice and rich curry to indulgent ice cream and creamy cheesecake, durian’s versatility in the kitchen is truly remarkable. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and let the King of Fruits reign in your culinary creations. Happy cooking!