Strawberries are a beloved fruit that are synonymous with summer and sweetness. Their vibrant red color and juicy texture make them a perfect ingredient for a variety of dishes, from desserts to salads. One dish that truly showcases the beauty of strawberries is a strawberry consomme topped with a creamy vanilla meringue mascarpone and macerated strawberries. This elegant and refreshing dessert is surprisingly easy to make, and will impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delicious flavors.
To start off, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the strawberry consomme, you will need 750g of strawberries (hulled and halved), 1/3 cup of caster sugar, 2 cups of water, 3 sprigs of basil, 2 strips of lemon zest, and 3 teaspoons of lemon juice. These ingredients will come together to create a flavorful and aromatic base for your dish.
In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, water, basil, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes until the strawberries have softened. Once done, strain the mixture through a sieve into a jug, making sure not to press the strawberries through to keep the consomme clear. Discard the pulp and stir in the lemon juice to finish off the consomme.
Next, prepare the macerated strawberries by combining diced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, then cover and set aside for an hour until the strawberries become syrupy and flavorful.
For the vanilla meringue mascarpone topping, whisk together a tub of mascarpone with vanilla bean paste in a bowl. Gently fold in lightly crushed meringue nests to add a sweet and crunchy element to the creamy mascarpone.
To assemble the dish, ladle the strawberry consomme into bowls and top with the macerated strawberries and a dollop of the vanilla meringue mascarpone. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
This strawberry consomme with vanilla meringue mascarpone is a delightful and sophisticated dessert that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy mascarpone, and crunchy meringue creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. So, next time you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that is easy to make, give this recipe a try and let the vibrant strawberries take center stage on your table.