Orange Soufflé

Orange Soufflé – a refined and refreshing dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Who doesn’t love a dessert that not only combines delicious flavor but also comes in a unique presentation? The orange soufflé is a perfect choice for special moments, as well as for an ordinary evening when you want to impress. This quick and simple dessert, with an enticing citrus aroma, is an ideal choice for lovers of fine sweets.

The origin of the soufflé is fascinating. This type of culinary preparation has been cherished over time due to its fluffy texture and its ability to surprise with its presentation. Using the orange peel as a container, this dessert becomes not just a treat for the taste buds but also a true joy for the eyes.

The necessary ingredients to create this delicious soufflé are:

- 3 oranges (to use only the juice from 2 of them)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 egg (the yolk and white will be used separately)
- 50 g sugar

It is important to choose fresh, juicy oranges to achieve an intense flavor. A suggestion would be to pick oranges with smooth skin and no blemishes, as these promise a more concentrated aroma.

Step by step for a perfect soufflé:

1. Preparing the oranges: Start by carefully cutting off the tops of the oranges, being careful not to cut too deep to break the peel. These tops will be used later to cover the dessert. Gently scoop out the pulp from inside, ensuring the peel remains intact. The pulp can be used to make fresh juice or added to a delicious smoothie.

2. Juicing: Take two of the hollowed-out oranges and squeeze them with a juicer to obtain the juice. It’s a good idea to strain the juice through a tea strainer to remove any pulp or seeds. This detail will ensure a smooth texture for the soufflé.

3. Preparing the cream: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk with the sugar until you obtain a creamy and fluffy mixture. Then add the cornstarch and mix well. Gradually pour in the orange juice, continuing to mix. Transfer the mixture to low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. It is essential not to allow it to boil, but just to heat it to avoid coagulating the egg. Once thickened, let it cool.

4. Beating the egg white: In a clean bowl, beat the egg white until you obtain a stiff foam, similar to that used for meringue. This is the secret to achieving a fluffy and airy soufflé. Carefully fold the beaten egg white into the orange cream, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing volume.

5. Filling the oranges: Use the obtained mixture to fill the orange peels up to 3/4 full. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150°C. Place the filled oranges in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the soufflé has risen and turned golden. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the developing aromas!

7. Cooling and serving: Allow the soufflé to cool slightly before serving. Decorate with grated orange peel or thin slices for an elegant appearance and a touch of freshness. This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions: This orange soufflé can be accompanied by vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce, which will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. You can also prepare a jasmine or hibiscus tea infusion, which will perfectly complement the sweetness of the soufflé.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other citrus fruits? Of course! Lemonade or grapefruit juice can add a different and interesting note to your dessert.
- How can I make the soufflé less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar or add a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
- Is the orange peel necessary? The peel not only helps with presentation but also keeps the flavors contained within the soufflé. However, you can opt for ceramic dishes or ramekins for a version without the peel.

Nutritional information (approximate per serving):

- Calories: 145 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g

This orange soufflé is not just a delicious dessert but also an explosion of flavors and colors, perfect for bringing a touch of joy to every day. I invite you to start cooking and delight your taste buds with this unique recipe!