Sometimes tucking into desserts when watching nail biting finales of games can be rewarding. It may just bring a feeling of comfort and also be celebratory among all the cheering for India. Since the Olympics are being held in Paris and French bakers are known to make some of the most indulgent desserts, why not pick a treat for ourselves from their books?
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French desserts are known for their elegance, rich flavours, and intricate techniques, but many can be adapted to fit the resources available in an Indian kitchen. One of the keys to successfully making French desserts is to focus on fundamental techniques, such as creaming, folding, and baking, which are universal and can be learnt with practice. Indian kitchens typically have the basic tools needed for these tasks, such as mixing bowls, ovens, and blenders, making it easier to adapt.
The key ingredients in many French desserts are also things that are staples in Indian pantries such as flour, sugar, butter, milk, and eggs. For those who prefer to use locally sourced ingredients, substitutions can be made. For instance, paneer can sometimes replace certain types of cheese, and local fruits like mangoes and bananas can be used to add a twist to traditional desserts. Incorporating Indian spices such as cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon can also be fun. Here are some classic French desserts to experiment with.
Crème Brûlée
Crème Brûlée has a rich, creamy custard base topped with a layer of hard caramelised sugar. Despite its sophisticated appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The key ingredients are egg yolks, sugar, cream, and vanilla. The custard is baked in a water bath, allowing it to set gently, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. The final touch involves sprinkling sugar on top and using a blowtorch or oven grill to caramelise it, creating the perfect crack when tapped with a spoon. This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free dessert experience, when watching.
Madeleines
Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that originated from the Lorraine region of France. These delightful treats can be made from a simple batter of eggs, sugar, flour, butter, and a hint of lemon zest. Madeleines are light and fluffy and buttery making them perfect for an afternoon tea or a quick snack. In an Indian kitchen, a madeleine mould is the only specialised equipment required, but in its absence, small muffin trays can be a suitable substitute.
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Mousse is a dessert that’s already popular in India. It is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Made with just chocolate, cream, and eggs, this dessert requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavour. The chocolate is melted and folded into whipped cream and egg whites, creating a light and airy texture. The key to a successful mousse is gently folding the ingredients to maintain the airiness. It’s an excellent choice for watch parties and can be made in advance, saving you time when entertaining guests.
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is an upside-down caramelised apple tart that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. This rustic dessert is made by caramelising apples in sugar and butter before covering them with pastry dough and baking them in the oven. Once baked, the tart is inverted onto a plate, revealing the beautifully caramelised apples on top. In an Indian kitchen, a heavy-bottomed pan can be used for caramelising the apples, and puff pastry can be sourced from local bakeries or made from scratch.
Clafoutis
Clafoutis features fresh fruit, traditionally cherries, baked in a custard-like batter. The dessert is part cake and part custard, with a slightly chewy texture. It is versatile and can be made with seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, or berries, making it a great option for home cooks in India. The batter comes together quickly with ingredients such as eggs, sugar, milk, and flour. It’s best eaten warm, either on its own or with a scoop of ice cream.
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Profiteroles
Profiteroles are small, airy puffs filled with cream and often topped with chocolate sauce. The light and hollow pastry can be filled with sweet or savoury fillings. In an Indian kitchen, the cream filling can be flavoured with vanilla, coffee, or chocolate, and the chocolate sauce can be made with local chocolate varieties. The best part is that Profiteroles can be assembled quickly.
Crêpes
Crêpes are thin, delicate pancakes that serve as a versatile base for a variety of sweet and savoury fillings. They resemble the Indian dosa. The batter is made with flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. In an Indian kitchen, a non-stick pan can be used to cook the crêpes, ensuring they are evenly cooked and golden brown. Sweet crêpes can be filled with Nutella, fresh fruits, or whipped cream, while savoury versions can include cheese, spinach, or mushrooms. Crêpes are a perfect choice for breakfast, dessert, or even a light meal.