Damascene fruit salad (Salatat fawakeh)

This salad is a creation of the oldest fruit and milkshake seller in Damascus, Abu Sharir. He started by making simple fruit juices in 1956, and three generations later have become one of the iconic locations in Marjeh Square. Today he is known not just for juices and milkshakes, but for salads and everything fruit. This elegant salad is one of the reasons why.

This salad is divine, beautiful with all the colours from the fruit, and delicious with all the crunchy and soft fruit textures. The fresh cheese adds a sense of luxury and elegance. the topping of almonds adds a nutty nuance. the dish is completed by the light drizzle of honey, adding a beautiful sweetness to the dessert. Watch out, you will not be able to stop eating this salad.

I have been growing fascinated with Syrian cuisine, and have been slowly adding cookbooks to my library. Our Syria is one of those beautiful cookbooks that immerses you in a new world of exquisite cuisine and a beautiful culture. The recipes are simple but always turn out gorgeous and fabulous. The authors travelled back to households in Syria to assemble these recipes, learning from home cooks and local chefs. The book is as much a cultural journey through Syria as a cookbook, filled with anecdotes and history.

For more recipes from this book, click here.

Ingredients:

1 cup berries, strawberries hulled and quartered, or blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries

1 mango, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces

2 kiwis, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces

1 apple, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 pear, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 banana, sliced

8 oz. fresh cheese curd, farmer's cheese or ricotta

1/2 cup black raisins

1/2 cup almonds, lightly toasted

Honey, to drizzle

Add the fresh cheese to the centre of a large wide bowl. Arrange the mixed fruit around the cheese. Sprinkle with the raisins and almonds. Drizzle with the honey, just a touch, do not drown the salad. Serve immediately.