Blueberry And Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues

Blueberry And Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues Recipe from Egypt

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

The Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues is a refreshing and elegant dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of blueberries and oranges with the delicate flavor of lavender. This dish is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering a light yet flavorful end to any meal. The lavender meringues add a unique touch, both in flavor and presentation, making this salad a memorable experience for your taste buds.

History

The use of lavender in cooking dates back to ancient times, where it was prized for its aroma and medicinal properties. Combining it with fruits in salads is a more modern culinary trend, aiming to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients while adding an aromatic twist. The idea of incorporating lavender into meringues introduces a contemporary flair to traditional meringue recipes, creating a fusion that celebrates both the old and the new.

Ingredients

6 oranges
350 g/12 oz/3 cups blueberries
8 fresh lavender sprigs
For the meringue
2 egg whites
115 g/4 oz/0.5 cup caster sugar
5 ml/1 tsp fresh lavender flowers
Cook's Tip

How to prepare

Lavender is used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Always use fresh or recently dried flowers, and avoid artificially scented bunches that are sold for domestic purposes.
If fresh lavender is unavailable, plain meringues can be made instead.
Preheat the oven to 140°C/275°F/Gas 1.
Line a baking tray with six layers of newspaper and cover with non-stick baking paper.
Whisk the egg whites in a large mixing bowl until they hold soft peaks.
Add the sugar a little at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until the meringue is thick and glossy.
Fold in the lavender flowers.
Spoon the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a 5 mm/0.25 in plain nozzle.
Pipe as many small buttons of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet as possible.
Bake the meringues near the bottom of the oven for 0.5–2 hours.

Variations

For a twist on the original recipe, try substituting the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries for a different flavor profile. Lemon zest can be added to the meringue mixture for an extra zing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing the lavender meringues, ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry to help the egg whites reach their full volume. Adding the sugar gradually is key to achieving a glossy, stable mixture. For the salad, use a sharp knife to segment the oranges, removing all the white pith to ensure the salad is not bitter. Gently fold the blueberries into the salad to avoid crushing them.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served fresh, with the meringues added just before serving to maintain their crispness. It can be presented in individual serving dishes or as a shared platter for a more communal dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect meringue involves precise whisking and careful folding of ingredients. For the salad, segmenting the oranges "à vif" removes all the bitter white pith, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh lavender is not available, dried lavender can be used in the meringues, but in a smaller quantity to avoid overpowering the dish. Alternatively, rosewater or vanilla extract can be used for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The meringues can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. The salad should be assembled just before serving to ensure the fruits remain fresh and vibrant.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruits. Garnish with additional lavender sprigs for an elegant touch. The meringues can be placed on top or served on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine or a floral rosé, enhancing the delicate flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a lavender-infused lemonade complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well once assembled. Leftover meringues can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this delightful salad with meringues is relatively low in calories, making it an ideal dessert for those who are calorie-conscious. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the size of the servings.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the natural sugars found in the blueberries and oranges. The meringues, while light, do contribute additional carbs due to the caster sugar. Overall, this dessert can be a good option for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

The Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues is virtually fat-free, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their fat intake. The absence of fats also highlights the fresh flavors of the fruits and the delicate scent of lavender.

Proteins

Proteins in this recipe are primarily found in the egg whites used for the meringues. While not a significant source of protein, it does contribute to making this dish a bit more satiating.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the blueberries and oranges. Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties, while oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Together, they provide a nutritional boost that supports overall health.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is eggs, used in the meringues. Those with egg allergies or sensitivities should avoid this dish or consider egg-free meringue alternatives.

Summary

Overall, the Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues is a low-fat, low-calorie dessert that offers a good mix of vitamins and minerals. It's a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits with the unique flavor of lavender.

Summary

The Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues is a delightful dessert that combines fresh, tangy fruits with the sweet, aromatic flavor of lavender. It's a visually appealing, nutritious, and delicious way to end a meal, perfect for those who appreciate the subtle use of herbs in cooking. With its low calorie and fat content, it's a guilt-free indulgence that's sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a sunny afternoon in the early days of summer, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues. The combination of flavors sounded absolutely delightful, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people. Some had been passed down through generations in my family, while others I had discovered during my travels. But this particular recipe was unlike anything I had ever seen before – it was a true culinary masterpiece.

I decided to make the salad for a family gathering that weekend. I gathered all the ingredients – fresh blueberries, juicy oranges, fragrant lavender, and of course, the essential meringues. As I began to prepare the dish, I couldn't help but think back to the first time I had learned to cook.

I was just a young girl when I first stepped into the kitchen with my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and she had a way of turning simple ingredients into the most delicious meals. I would watch in awe as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned, her hands moving deftly as if guided by some unseen force.

One day, she handed me a wooden spoon and told me it was time for me to learn how to cook. Together, we made a simple soup, and as I stirred the pot, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. From that moment on, I was hooked.

As I continued to cook and bake, I learned the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients. I discovered the joy of experimenting with different flavors and textures, creating dishes that were as beautiful to look at as they were delicious to eat. And I learned that the true secret to good cooking was to always cook with love.

And so, as I prepared the Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues, I poured all of my love and passion into the dish. The vibrant colors of the blueberries and oranges danced together in the bowl, while the delicate meringues added a touch of sweetness and crunch. The scent of lavender filled the air, creating a sense of calm and tranquility.

When the salad was finally ready, I set it out on the table for my family to enjoy. As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up with delight. The flavors were a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a hint of floral notes from the lavender. It was a dish that truly captured the essence of summer.

As we sat together, sharing stories and laughter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the recipes and cooking techniques I had learned over the years. Each one had shaped me into the cook I was today, allowing me to create dishes that brought joy and comfort to those I loved.

And as I looked around at my family, their smiles and satisfied expressions, I knew that this Blueberry and Orange Salad with Lavender Meringues was more than just a recipe – it was a piece of my heart, shared with those I held dear. And that, to me, was the true magic of cooking.