Summer or monsoon, the weather in Bengal brings blazing sun one day and pouring rain the next. On such changeable days the body wants something cool and comforting, and the tongue looks for something lightly spicy, sour and sweet. Pineapple salad can be the perfect recipe for such times. With simple ingredients, quick preparation and bright colours, this salad brings relief not only in taste but to the mind as well. Whether at the start of a meal or in the middle, this juicy pineapple dish will make the day fresher and livelier. Here is how to make it.

• Small pieces of ripe pineapple – 3 cups
• Fresh pineapple juice – 1 cup
• Black salt (beet lobon) – half a teaspoon (more or less to taste)
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons
• Green or dried chillies – 2 (adjust to how hot you like it)

Put the pineapple pieces in a large bowl and pour in the pineapple juice. Add the black salt, sugar and finely chopped green chilli or ground dried chilli. Mix all the ingredients well so the flavours blend into a distinctive sour, spicy and sweet taste.

Once mixed, keep the salad in the fridge for at least an hour. When it has chilled, serve it in small bowls. If you like, sprinkle a little sweet yoghurt or chopped mint leaves on top for extra flavour.

This salad is not only good to eat but also very attractive to look at. So whether for entertaining guests or to add a little variety to the everyday menu, this sour and spicy pineapple salad can be one you rely on.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.