Lemon Grass Oats & Almonds Pudding with Macerated Berries
An exotic, creamy dessert perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Blueberries (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup |
| Cranberries | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Zest | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 2 cups |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Kaffir Lime Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Lemongrass (finely chopped) | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 3/4 cup |
| Almond Meal (Badam Powder) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup (more to taste) |
| Almonds (roughly chopped) | 2 almonds |
Prep Time: 200 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 260 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Macerate the Berries:
Begin by preparing the macerated berries. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blueberries, cranberries, brown sugar, water, and lemon zest. Using a masher or the back of a spoon, gently mash the berries until they release their juices. Cover the bowl and set it aside for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. -
-
Cook the Berries:
After an hour, transfer the macerated berries to a heavy-bottomed pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and the sauce thickens slightly. Once the berries are softened and the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and let the mixture cool. Set it aside for later use. -
Prepare the Pudding Base:
In a large saucepan, combine the fresh cream and milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a boil. Add the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to the milk-cream mixture. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the fragrant aromas of the lemongrass and lime leaves to infuse into the liquid. Once the flavor is well-developed, remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to continue infusing. -
Strain and Continue Cooking:
After 10 minutes, strain the milk-cream mixture to remove the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Discard the residue. Return the infused milk-cream mixture to the pan, and bring it back to a boil. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir in the almond meal, oats, and sugar. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend well and the pudding to start thickening. -
Combine with Macerated Berries:
Set aside a portion of the macerated berries for topping. Add the remaining macerated berries into the pudding mixture. Continue stirring until the pudding thickens and all ingredients are well combined. Let it cook for about 6-7 minutes, or until the pudding reaches the desired consistency. -
Chill the Pudding:
Remove the pudding from the heat. Carefully pour the prepared lemongrass oats and almonds pudding into serving goblets or individual cups. Top with the reserved macerated berries and garnish with chopped almonds. -
Let It Set:
Place the puddings in the refrigerator to chill for a few hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the pudding to set and the flavors to stabilize. -
Serve:
Serve the chilled Lemon Grass Oats & Almonds Pudding with Macerated Berries as the perfect dessert to end a delicious meal. It pairs beautifully with light and fresh dishes, making it an excellent choice for a weekend treat. Enjoy with a refreshing glass of Red Wine Sangria and a hearty serving of Tomato Basil Risotto with Grilled Chicken.
Tips for the Best Lemon Grass Oats & Almonds Pudding:
- Make It Ahead: This pudding benefits from chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to fully infuse and the texture to set perfectly.
- Customizing Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the pudding and macerated berries to suit your taste. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
- Vibrant Presentation: For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh berries or even a sprig of lemongrass before serving.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream and milk for non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.
This refreshing and aromatic pudding is a wonderful way to end a meal on a sweet note. The infusion of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves in the creamy base is balanced by the tangy sweetness of the macerated berries, making every bite a delicate, flavorful experience.
