Dried fruits and nuts for a contrast of sweetness and saltiness
Dried apricots, prunes and mixed nuts in a light honey-soy marinade provide an incredible contrast of textures.

A delicious blend of dried fruits and nuts for a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness

"A contrast that delights"
Rich tones of dried apricots and prunes smoothly echo the crunchy notes of almonds and walnuts, creating a balance of flavors and textures: sweetness meets light saltiness, and the softness of dried fruits meets the dense structure of nuts.

Ingredients (for 4-6 servings)

• Dried fruits

  • 100 g dried apricots

  • 80 g prunes

  • 50 g cranberries (dried)

• Nuts and seeds

  • 50 g almonds (raw or lightly toasted)

  • 50 g walnuts (cut into halves)

  • 30 g cashews

  • 20 g pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

• Marinade (optional, for a brighter flavor)

  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari)

  • a pinch of sea salt

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon or cardamom

Step by step instructions

1. Preparing dried fruits

   • If the dried fruit is too dense, soak the dried apricots and prunes in warm water for 5-7 minutes, then dry with a paper towel.

   • If desired, cut large pieces (dried apricots and prunes) into quarters to distribute the flavor evenly.

2. Roasting nuts and seeds

   • In a dry frying pan, gently toast the almonds and cashews (1–2 minutes over medium heat) to intensify their flavor.

   • Add walnuts and seeds, heat for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

   • Remove from heat and cool.

3. Mixing and (optional) marinade

   • In a large bowl, combine dried fruit and nuts.

   • For a light caramel flavor, combine honey (or syrup), soy sauce, salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

   • Pour the marinade over the dry mixture, stirring quickly to coat each piece.

4. Exposure and presentation

   • Leave the mixture for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the honey to soak in slightly and coat the nuts.

   • Place in individual bowls or a pretty bowl - this will make the contrast between sweetness and saltiness shine brighter.

Tips and variations

• For a bright citrusy twist, replace the cinnamon with lightly grated orange or lemon zest.

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of ground habanero pepper.

• Texture experiment: add dry coconut milk or small rice balls for an airy crunch.