If You’re Not a Fan of the Viral Strawberry Paste, Check Out These Other Combinations
If you’re a tennis fan, you already know that Iga Swiatek is a Wimbledon champion. If you’re a fan of spreads, you’ve already experienced the serendipity of Iga Swiatek mixing strawberries and yogurt in a bowl of seashells. I’m never one to turn down someone else’s treats, especially when they might just plop me on the grass, but if you’re not ready for this viral fruit spread, here are some alternatives that might surprise you.
A selection of pasta works by Iga Swiatek
Strawberries and yogurt probably didn’t do it for you, so let’s stop for a minute and consider pasta. Plain pasta. Pasta is a carb. And like most carbs without the seasonings and sauces, it tastes almost bland. In fact, I think what we love most about carbs is the unlimited flavor combinations that always seem to work. So before you make a face at pasta with strawberries, think about the bland carbs you’d normally happily pair with fruit, and go from there. Let’s get started.
Oatmeal. Whether it’s a scoop of crunchy granola topped with maple-sweetened pecans or a steaming bowl of instant oatmeal, strawberries and yogurt are a classic combination. Simply mash up some strawberries and mix them with a spoonful of yogurt—plain or strawberry—for a fruity kick.
Brioche. I’m always getting ready for a workout, so let’s move on to sandwiches. Brioche is light, sweet, but rich with butter, making it the perfect complement to the strawberry-cream filling. Think strawberry shortcake, but with a bun instead of a cookie.
Rice. Despite being my favorite carb, I can’t stand plain rice. It tastes almost like nothing (second only to regular popcorn). However, it has a distinctive texture, and its lack of flavor makes it the perfect blank canvas for anything, even sweet toppings. Add strawberry puree and yogurt to a bowl of freshly steamed rice, drizzle with honey, and add a pinch of salt.
Orzo Salad. Finally, we get to pasta—pasta in rice form. I love cold orzo salads. I think they’re great for a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park. Instead of throwing in chopped bell peppers and parsley, try a sweet-and-tangy version. Add sliced strawberries, torn basil, and a yogurt dressing thinned with honey and a splash of white balsamic vinegar.
Fruits and carbs go great together, and you can even try other fruits that you like. See how we moved up the carb ladder? Maybe now you’re ready for spaghetti or Iga Swiatek’s shells.