Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse with Red Currant Coulis: A Heavenly Dessert Experience
Indulge in a luxurious dessert with our Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse with Red Currant Coulis, where the richness of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the subtle earthy flavor of extra virgin olive oil. Topped with a tart red currant coulis and finished off with a crunchy peanut brittle, this dessert will surely delight your taste buds and elevate any occasion.
This creamy, velvety mousse is not only an impressive treat for special dinners but also offers a unique twist by using olive oil, which enhances the flavor and adds a smooth texture without overpowering the chocolate. Paired with the vibrant and tangy red currant coulis, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) | 200g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 250g |
| Acacia honey | 20g |
| Red currants | 200g |
| Acacia honey (for the coulis) | 20g |
| Toasted salted peanuts | 70g |
| Brown sugar | 50g |
| Red currants (for garnish) | to taste |
| Fresh rosemary (for garnish) | to taste |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse:
- Start by melting the dark chocolate (70% cocoa) in a heatproof bowl. You can do this by either placing it over a double boiler or using a microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval.
- Once the chocolate has melted, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously stirring with a spatula (marisa) to ensure the mixture emulsifies perfectly.
- In a separate bowl, pour the fresh cream and add the acacia honey. Using an electric mixer, whisk the mixture until it thickens and forms soft peaks.
- Gradually fold the warm chocolate-oil mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the mousse – gently incorporate the two mixtures to retain airiness and lightness.
- Divide the mousse into 6 serving glasses or small dessert cups, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.
2. Make the Red Currant Coulis:
- In a small saucepan, add the red currants and acacia honey. Place the pan over medium heat, allowing the currants to soften and release their juices. Stir occasionally.
- Once the currants have broken down into a sauce, remove from heat and pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or colander to strain out the solids, leaving behind the smooth, vibrant coulis.
- Chill the coulis in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
3. Prepare the Peanut Brittle:
- In a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar over medium heat until it melts into a golden syrup. Continue to cook, without stirring, until it reaches a rich caramel color.
- Carefully add the toasted salted peanuts to the caramelized sugar, stirring quickly to coat them evenly.
- Pour the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper, spreading it into a thin layer. Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, break it into small shards or pieces.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
- After the mousse has set in the glasses, drizzle the chilled red currant coulis over the top of each mousse. You can add as much or as little as you like, depending on how tart you want the final flavor to be.
- Garnish with a few fresh red currants and small sprigs of rosemary for an added burst of color and freshness.
- To finish, top the mousse with a few shards of the homemade peanut brittle for a delightful crunch.
5. Serve:
Refrigerate the assembled mousse for at least an hour before serving to ensure the mousse firms up slightly, and the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve chilled for the best taste experience!
Serving Suggestions:
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling, or even a sparkling rosé for a touch of elegance. The light yet indulgent nature of the mousse, combined with the tartness of the red currant coulis and the crunchy peanut brittle, makes it a perfect end to any dinner party or special gathering.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
This Chocolate Olive Oil Mousse with Red Currant Coulis offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for chocolate lovers seeking something both rich and refreshing. The bitterness of the dark chocolate, the smoothness of the olive oil, the tartness of the currants, and the crunch from the brittle combine into an unforgettable dessert. It’s simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress!
