Recipe-o'-clock: Make this vegetarian French chocolate souffle
The French chocolate souffle, originating from 18th-century France, is a testament to the elegance of French cuisine. This dessert, traditionally airy due to eggs, is reenvisioned here for vegetarian and eggless diets. Now accessible to all, this luxurious treat maintains its classic charm. Let's prepare to add a touch of French sophistication to your culinary repertoire.
Gather the following ingredients
For this vegetarian and eggless chocolate souffle, you will need one cup of unsweetened almond milk, three tablespoons of cornstarch, one-third cup of granulated sugar, and one cup of finely chopped dark chocolate. Include one teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Optionally, have powdered sugar or cocoa powder available for a delicate dusting on your souffles before indulging.
Preparing your ingredients
Begin by whisking the cornstarch with a quarter cup of almond milk until it reaches a smooth consistency. This step is crucial as the mixture serves as a thickening agent for our souffle, replacing traditional eggs. Separately, finely chop the dark chocolate to ensure it melts uniformly when heated. Preparing these components in advance streamlines the subsequent cooking stages.
Cooking the chocolate base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining almond milk with granulated sugar and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Then add in the cornstarch mixture and continue stirring until it thickens slightly - about three to four minutes. Remove from heat and immediately add in chopped dark chocolate and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
Baking the souffle
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Pour your chocolate mixture into greased ramekins, filling them up to three-quarters full to allow space for rising. Place them on a baking tray in the center of your oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes or until they have risen properly with a slight jiggle in the middle.
Serving your souffle
Once your souffles are perfectly baked, handle them with care as they will be quite hot. Give them a brief cooling period of a few minutes; these delights are traditionally savored warm. For an extra touch of elegance, lightly dust them with powdered sugar or cocoa powder to your liking. Serve these exquisite confections immediately to capture the essence of their freshly baked splendor.
