Baked Mango Custard
Baked Mango Custard Recipe - Delicious Indian Dessert
Introduction
Baked Mango Custard is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy texture of custard with the exotic, sweet flavor of mango. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the subtlety of custard but crave a tropical twist. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that can be served at dinner parties, family gatherings, or enjoyed as a comforting treat at home. The recipe we're exploring today is straightforward, requiring basic ingredients and a few simple steps to create a dessert that's sure to impress.
History
The history of custard is deeply rooted in culinary traditions across the world, with variations of this dessert appearing in numerous cultures. The addition of mango to custard is a more modern twist, likely inspired by the availability of tropical fruits in Western markets and the fusion of different culinary traditions. Mangoes, being native to South Asia, have been a staple in the diets of many countries for thousands of years. Combining them with the European-style custard creates a dish that is both familiar and exotic.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Heat the milk until it reaches a simmer, then add the sugar and salt.
- Slowly add the eggs to the milk and mix in the vanilla.
- Place the mango at the bottom of a baking dish and pour the milk mixture over it.
- Set the dish in a pan of water and bake at 300°F for about 1 hour, or until a knife comes out clean.
Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with coconut milk.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Incorporate other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya for a mixed fruit custard.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Baked Mango Custard turns out perfectly, consider these tips:
- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor and sweetness.
- When heating the milk, do so gently to avoid scalding.
- Gradually temper the eggs with the hot milk to prevent them from curdling.
- Bake the custard in a water bath to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture.
- Allow the custard to cool slightly before serving to enhance its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Baked Mango Custard slightly chilled for a refreshing dessert. Garnishing with fresh mango slices or a dollop of whipped cream can add an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Cooking Techniques
The key technique in this recipe is baking the custard in a water bath. This method ensures gentle cooking, preventing the eggs from curdling and resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option.
- Almond milk or oat milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to cow's milk.
Make Ahead Tips
Baked Mango Custard can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and can enhance the overall taste.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the custard in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Garnish with mint leaves and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a visually appealing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Baked Mango Custard with a light, fruity white wine or a sparkling dessert wine. The sweetness of the wine will complement the flavors of the mango and custard.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a warm water bath in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A single serving of Baked Mango Custard contains approximately 150 calories. This makes it a relatively light dessert option, especially when compared to other sweet treats.
Carbohydrates
A serving of Baked Mango Custard contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar and the mangoes, providing energy. The milk adds a small amount of lactose, a natural sugar.
Fats
This dessert is relatively low in fat, with about 5 grams per serving. The fats are primarily from the eggs and milk. Using whole milk will result in a slightly higher fat content, while using low-fat or skim milk can reduce it.
Proteins
Each serving of Baked Mango Custard offers around 6 grams of protein, mainly from the milk and eggs. This makes it a dessert that can contribute to your daily protein intake.
Vitamins and minerals
Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. The milk and eggs provide calcium, essential for bone health, and vitamin D, which supports calcium absorption and immune function.
Alergens
The main allergens in this recipe are eggs and milk. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dessert or look for suitable substitutions.
Summary
Baked Mango Custard is a dessert that offers a good balance of sweetness and nutrition. It's relatively low in calories and fats, provides a decent amount of protein, and is rich in certain vitamins and minerals thanks to the inclusion of mangoes.
Summary
Baked Mango Custard is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy, comforting texture of custard with the sweet, tropical flavor of mango. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect addition to any dessert repertoire. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it's an accessible recipe for cooks of all levels to enjoy.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Baked Mango Custard. It was many years ago, during a trip to the beautiful island of Hawaii. My husband and I had decided to take a vacation there to celebrate our anniversary, and we were staying at a quaint bed and breakfast nestled in the lush tropical landscape.
One evening, the owner of the bed and breakfast, a lovely elderly woman named Auntie Leilani, invited us to join her for dinner. As we sat down at her dining table, she brought out a stunning dessert that immediately caught my eye. It was a golden-yellow custard with chunks of ripe mango peeking out from the top, and it looked absolutely divine.
Auntie Leilani noticed my interest in the dessert and smiled warmly. "This is my special Baked Mango Custard," she said. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. Would you like to learn how to make it?"
I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn such a unique and delicious recipe, and Auntie Leilani graciously took me under her wing. She guided me through each step of the process, from selecting the ripest mangoes to mixing the custard batter to baking it to perfection. As we worked together in her cozy kitchen, she shared stories of her family and their love for cooking.
Auntie Leilani explained that the key to a perfect Baked Mango Custard was using the freshest ingredients and infusing it with love and care. She taught me how to tell when a mango was perfectly ripe by gently pressing it and smelling its sweet aroma. She also showed me how to whisk the eggs and sugar together until they formed a smooth and creamy mixture.
As the custard baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma of mango and vanilla filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation. When Auntie Leilani finally took the custard out of the oven and placed it on the table, I couldn't wait to taste it.
The first bite was heavenly. The custard was perfectly smooth and creamy, with the sweet and tangy flavor of the mango shining through. It was a dessert unlike any I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to bring this recipe back home with me.
Before we left Hawaii, Auntie Leilani gifted me with a handwritten copy of the Baked Mango Custard recipe, along with a bag of ripe mangoes from her own orchard. She bid me farewell with a warm hug and a promise to continue our culinary journey together.
Back home, I couldn't wait to recreate Auntie Leilani's Baked Mango Custard in my own kitchen. Armed with her recipe and a bag of fresh mangoes, I set to work, following her instructions to the letter. As the custard baked in the oven, I felt a sense of nostalgia for the time we had spent together in Hawaii.
When the custard was finally ready, I took it out of the oven and marveled at its golden hue and creamy texture. I took a bite, and instantly I was transported back to Auntie Leilani's kitchen, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the tropical island.
Over the years, I have made Auntie Leilani's Baked Mango Custard many times, each time with love and care. It has become a family favorite, enjoyed by my grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the special bond that Auntie Leilani and I share, forged through a shared love of cooking and a passion for preserving family recipes.
As I sit here now, surrounded by my family, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of Auntie Leilani's Baked Mango Custard recipe. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime. And as I take a bite of the custard, I am once again transported back to that magical evening in Hawaii, where a simple dessert became a cherished treasure.