Imagine walking down the vibrant streets of Japan, where modernity blends with tradition. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy street, you spot gorgeous and lively fruit pieces sliced in half and placed on top of soft Japanese bread pyramids. These are popularly called fruit sandos, which you can readily find in Japanese convenience stores and cafes.
What is a Japanese Fruit Sando?
The Japanese fruit sando is more than just a sandwich; it's a treat for your taste buds. Slices of Japanese milk bread are layered with fresh, colourful fruits and lightly whipped cream. The best bread to use is Shokupan, a deliciously sweet and fluffy bread from Japan. The juicy and tangy fruits complement the smooth and airy texture of the whipped cream and soft, delicate bread. After setting in the fridge, the sando is sliced to reveal the meticulously arranged fruit. A quick summer snack, perfect for when you need a light bite.
Fruit Sando recipe
Making these sandwiches is a breeze and doesn't require much time. The key factors to consider are the whipped cream and fruit placement. The cream should be whipped to stiff peaks, and the fruit should be arranged in a way that highlights its beauty when the sandwich is sliced, whether it's sliced in half or arranged in a lovely design.
Preparation time - 15 minutes
Setting time – 30 minutes
Serves - 2
Ingredients
2 slices shokupan or any milk bread (Shokupan is the soft and fluffy authentic Japanese milk bread)
100 gms whipping cream (non-dairy, store bought)
20 gms condensed milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 mandarin
4 to 5 grapes (or fruits of your choice)
Method
Whip the whipping cream in a large chilled bowl using a hand blender until it reaches stiff peaks.
Add the vanilla extract and condensed milk, and whip it until everything is well combined.
Place it in the refrigerator till you prepare the other ingredients.
Take the fruits of your choice, wash and dry the grapes and peel the rind of the mandarin using a sharp knife.
Remove the whipped cream from the refrigerator. Spread some plastic wrap on the surface and place one slice of the bread.
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on the slice and diagonally arrange the fruits in a single line. Place some fruits in the remaining corners.
Fill the empty spaces with some whipped cream and place the remaining slice of bread on top. Press it down lightly.
Wrap the sandwich firmly with the plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Remove it from the refrigerator, cut the crusts off and slice the sandwich in the direction of the fruit lying diagonally.
Remove the wrap and serve immediately.
Bonus tips
• For a better sandwich experience, you can bake milk bread.
• To create a cake variation, try using vanilla cake slices instead of bread.
• If you're using dairy whipping cream, add 10 grams of sugar while whipping to ensure the right amount of sweetness.
• You can customise the fruit sando by using different fruits, such as berries or kiwi.
• To make sure it's sliced correctly, mark which direction the fruit was placed.
• If you want to increase the shelf life, store it in the freezer and remove it to slice half an hour before consumption.
Would you like to learn how to make Japanese milk bread from Chef Namrata? Tell us at food@gulfnews.com
