Durian Blossoms Curry

Durian flowers are in bloom now. It being leap year this year, somehow durian flowers are in abundance. I'm not sure whether that has been scientifically proven, but according to old folks, that's how it has always been.

There were plenty on sale at the neighbourhood market. Mom said that they were RM8.00 per kg at first, but the price quickly dropped to RM6.00 per kg as of now. But we did not have to buy those flowers as we got ours for free!

My neighbour aunty and Mom's walking partner gave us a bagful yesterday. Again, this goes to show that I've got really great neighbours here. Anyway, Walking Auntie obtained the durian blossoms from her daughter's farm at Muara Tuang. There was a lot, she said.

So, after thanking her, Mom and I cleaned the durian blossoms. It was a lot of work as we picked and clean the flowers, stalk by stalk. The durian flowers had a fragrant smell.

 A portion of cleaned durian blossoms

While we worked, Mom regaled me with stories from her childhood. She said it was customary for her to gather durian blossoms when she was a child. Armed with a torch light, Mom and her siblings would go out from the house early in the morning to collect the flowers. Mom said the durian flowers were a rare treat, and was most welcome in the household. My maternal grandma would cook the durian blossoms in a curry gravy. Till now, durian flowers made Mom reminisce the flavours of her childhood.

Anyway, Mom wanted to cook a curry that day. So I helped her pound the ingredients, which comprised garlic, shallots, chillies, dried prawns and belacan.

 The ingredients ...

Later Mom sauteed them till fragrant .. 

Sauteeing ...

After that, curry powder was added, followed by some pork, durian blossoms and water ... 

Cooking the durian flowers ....

And finally, fresh coconut milk and seasoning were added. Dish out ....

Yummilicious-looking durian blossoms in curry gravy ...

And served hot with steamed rice. Yum .... it was very delicious as the durian blossoms were crunchy, and infused the flavour of the curry. I'd eat a lot of rice with a just a plate of curry!