Cheese Soufflés
Vegetarian Cheese Soufflés Recipe from United Kingdom
Introduction
Cheese soufflés are a classic French dish that is both elegant and delicious. These light and fluffy savory treats are perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. The combination of creamy cheese and airy egg whites creates a dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning of guests.
History
The soufflé is believed to have originated in France in the early 18th century. The word "soufflé" comes from the French verb "souffler," which means "to blow" or "to puff." The dish became popular in French cuisine due to its light and airy texture, as well as its versatility in both sweet and savory variations.
Ingredients
- butter - 40 g (1 oz),
- plain flour - 40 g (1 oz),
- milk - 200 ml (7 fl oz),
- cheese - 75 g (3 oz) grated,
- eggs - 2 separated.
How to prepare
- 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F / Gas 5.
- 2. Grease 6 ramekins.
- 3. In a saucepan, heat the butter, flour, and milk together, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, boils, and becomes smooth. Simmer for a minute or two.
- 4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheese. Stir until melted, then beat in the egg yolks.
- 5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Carefully fold them into the cheese mixture. Pour the mixture into the greased ramekins and bake for 30 minutes.
- 6. Serve immediately, accompanied by brown bread and butter.
Variations
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
- Mix in herbs such as chives or parsley for added flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or cheddar, for a unique taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to grease your ramekins well to prevent the soufflés from sticking.
- When folding in the egg whites, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the mixture.
- Serve the soufflés immediately after baking to ensure they stay light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese soufflés with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and airy soufflé.
- Fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture gently to maintain the airiness of the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and fold in the egg whites just before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the cheese soufflés in the ramekins for a rustic presentation, or unmold them onto a plate for a more elegant look.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the cheese soufflés with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover soufflés in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of cheese soufflé contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of cheese soufflé contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of cheese soufflé contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of cheese soufflé contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Cheese soufflés are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.
Alergens
Cheese soufflés contain dairy (cheese and milk) and eggs.
Summary
Cheese soufflés are a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and proteins. They are a good source of calcium and vitamins A and D.
Summary
Cheese soufflés are a classic French dish that is both elegant and delicious. With a light and airy texture and a rich and creamy flavor, these savory treats are sure to impress. Serve them at your next dinner party or special occasion for a dish that is sure to delight your guests.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Cheese Soufflés. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I spent many hours in her kitchen watching her prepare delicious meals for our family.
One day, as I was leafing through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, I came across a recipe for Cheese Soufflés. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the description and the picture in the book intrigued me. I decided then and there that I would learn how to make this delectable dish.
I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled and told me that it was one of her favorites. She explained that soufflés were a type of baked dish that originated in France, and that they were light and fluffy, with a rich, creamy texture. She promised to teach me how to make them, and we set to work in the kitchen.
The first step in making Cheese Soufflés, my grandmother explained, was to make a thick, creamy sauce called a béchamel. This would serve as the base for the soufflés, and give them their rich and creamy texture. We melted butter in a saucepan, and then stirred in flour to make a roux. Then we slowly added milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce was thick and smooth.
Next, we added grated cheese to the béchamel sauce, along with a touch of mustard and a pinch of cayenne pepper for flavor. The cheese melted into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy mixture that smelled absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to taste the finished soufflés.
The next step was to separate the egg yolks from the whites. My grandmother showed me how to crack an egg and carefully separate the yolk from the white, being careful not to break the yolk. She explained that the egg whites would be whipped into stiff peaks and folded into the cheese sauce, giving the soufflés their light and airy texture.
I watched in awe as my grandmother whipped the egg whites into stiff peaks, using a hand whisk and a large mixing bowl. She then gently folded the egg whites into the cheese sauce, being careful not to deflate the mixture. The resulting batter was light and fluffy, with a creamy texture that promised to be delicious.
We poured the batter into individual ramekins, and placed them in a hot oven to bake. As the soufflés rose and puffed up in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had learned how to make Cheese Soufflés, a dish that was both elegant and delicious, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.
When the soufflés were done baking, we took them out of the oven and marveled at their golden brown tops and puffed-up appearance. My grandmother smiled and told me that I had done a wonderful job. We served the soufflés hot, straight from the oven, and they were absolutely delicious. The cheese was rich and creamy, with a hint of mustard and cayenne pepper for flavor. The texture was light and airy, just as my grandmother had promised.
As I savored my first bite of Cheese Soufflé, I knew that I had found a new favorite dish. I thanked my grandmother for teaching me how to make it, and she smiled and told me that she was proud of me. From that day on, Cheese Soufflés became a staple in our household, and I would often make them for special occasions and family gatherings.
Now that I am older, I still make Cheese Soufflés on a regular basis. I have tweaked the recipe over the years, adding my own personal touches and variations. But the basic recipe that my grandmother taught me remains the same, and every time I make it, I am reminded of the joy and pride I felt when I first learned how to make this delicious dish.
I am grateful to my grandmother for passing down her love of cooking and her treasure trove of recipes to me. Cheese Soufflés will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the bond between generations and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love.
Categories
| British Recipes | British Vegetarian | Cheese Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |