Fresh Pineapple with Mint

Fresh Pineapple with Mint

There are few better ways to end a long, lazy summer lunch than with a platter of fresh pineapple straight from the fridge. Sprinkled with a little mint and sugar it’s one of those desserts that feels like you’ve gone to a bit of effort when really you haven’t.

enough for: 2-4
takes: 10 minutes
1/2 ripe pineapple, chilled
1 – 2 tablespoons sugar
3 sprigs mint, leaves picked & chopped

1. Using a pineapple that has been cut in half lengthwise, use a sharp knife to cut off the skin and any sharp bits. Be ruthless.

2. Slice into thin half moons about 5mm (1/4in) thick and lay on a serving platter.

3. Mash sugar and mint together in a small bowl or mortar and pestle.

4. Sprinkle over the pineapple and serve immediately. Or chill until needed.

Variations

other fruit – most fresh fruit works well finely sliced for dessert with or without the mint. My favourite substitute is fresh mango.

canned pineapple – chill drained canned pineapple. Slice finely and sprinkle over the mint. You won’t need the sugar.

richer – drizzle with a little cream or coconut cream. Also good with vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet.

processed sugar-free – just skip the sugar.

no mint? – just skip it.

carb lovers / more substantial – serve with ice cream.

low carb – serve berries and mint.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

pineapple – peel and chop into chunks and freeze. Whizz frozen chunks in the food processor with a little water and the mint for a fresh pineapple ‘sorbet’

sugar – pantry.

mint – best to use for another meal. leaves can be frozen but will wilt when defrosted so not ideal. Alternatively make a mint oil by packing washed and dried leaves in a clean dry glass jar and covering with extra virgin olive oil use mint oil to serve with lamb, chicken or fish.

Problem Solving Guide

too sweet – next time, try without the sugar and use a squeeze of lime instead.

bland / woody – unfortunately this is dish that is only as good as the fruit you choose. Some pineapple can be quite woody in the centres which is why canned pineapple comes in rings. Taste and if the centre is too hard to chew, chop it out. But if possible I prefer to leave it in so it adds textural contrast.

pineapple difficult to cut – you’ll need your sharpest knife for this job.

Leftover Potential

Will keep in the fridge for a few hours but longer than that and the sugar will draw out the moisture from the pineapple and dissolve. If you do need to prep ahead, keep pineapple and mint sugar separately in the fridge and combine just before serving.

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