Remember the phrase ‘Like peaches and cream’ The flavours of fresh peaches were so impressive that this descriptive phrase was used to compare it to a person’s beautiful skin as well as situations that were smooth and easy. In a culinary context, peaches and cream refers to a dessert or dish that pairs fresh peaches with cream or a creamy sauce. This combination highlights the contrast between the juicy sweetness of peaches and the smooth richness of cream, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.
Video Credit: Sonia Slow Life
Peaches come into season in India during the warmer months, typically from April to July. Grown primarily in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, Indian peaches are celebrated for their juicy sweetness and vibrant colour. These regions offer an ideal environment for peaches to flourish, resulting in fruit that is prized for its flavour and aroma.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Indian peaches vary in size and colour, ranging from yellow to reddish-orange, with a smooth skin that encases tender, succulent flesh. They are enjoyed both fresh and in culinary creations, such as desserts like peach phirni (a rice pudding flavoured with peach puree), peach cobbler (a baked dessert with a biscuit-like topping), and peach chutney (a tangy condiment). They are also valued for their nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. They are enjoyed fresh, in desserts, and as a refreshing addition to meals.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is an American dessert featuring sliced peaches baked with a sweet biscuit-like topping. The peaches become tender and juicy, while the topping bakes to a golden brown, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The peaches used in cobbler are often peeled, sliced, and tossed with sugar and sometimes a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance their natural flavours. The mixture is then spread evenly in a baking dish. There is a generous layer of fruit that caramelises and softens as it bakes. Once baked, the peach cobbler is served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Peach Melba
Peach Melba is a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the tartness of raspberries and the creaminess of vanilla ice cream. It was created by the legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th century, Peach Melba has become a timeless favourite. The desert typically begins with ripe peaches that are peeled, halved, and poached gently in a sugar syrup until they are tender and infused with sweetness. The poached peach halves are then served chilled, either whole or sliced, often over a bed of vanilla ice cream. To complement the peaches, a raspberry sauce, known as a raspberry coulis, is drizzled over the dish. This sauce is made by pureeing fresh raspberries.
Peach Ice Cream
Peach ice cream is a delightful frozen dessert that is perfect for hot and humid days. To make peach ice cream, ripe peaches are peeled, pitted, and pureed until smooth. The puree is then combined with a mixture of cream, milk, sugar, and sometimes egg yolks to create a rich and creamy base. Once the ingredients are blended together, the mixture is chilled thoroughly to develop its flavours. It is then churned in an ice cream maker to incorporate air and achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Some recipes may include chopped or diced peaches added towards the end of churning for added texture and bursts of fruitiness.
Peach Tart
The tart begins with a flaky and buttery pastry crust which can be either homemade or store-bought, rolled out and fitted into a tart pan. The pastry shell is then partially baked until it is golden brown and crisp, providing a sturdy base for the filling. For the filling, ripe peaches are peeled, pitted, and sliced into thin wedges. These peach slices are arranged in a concentric pattern over the partially baked pastry crust, creating a visually striking presentation. To enhance the flavours, the peach slices are often sprinkled with a mixture of sugar and a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking.
Peach Phirni
Peach phirni is a delightful variation of the traditional Indian rice pudding, infused with the sweetness of ripe peaches. It blends the creamy texture of rice pudding with the fruity goodness of peaches. Cooked rice is blended with milk and sugar to create a smooth, rich pudding base. Ripe peaches are pureed and added to the mixture, imparting a natural sweetness and a hint of tanginess that perfectly balances the dessert's creaminess. This fusion of traditional Indian flavours with the seasonal bounty of peaches can be served in traditional clay matkas garnished with saffron strands or edible silver leaf.
Peach Sorbet
Peach sorbet is a light and refreshing frozen dessert made with pureed peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. It's dairy-free and has a smooth, silky texture, capturing the essence of ripe peaches in every spoonful. The process begins by selecting perfectly ripe peaches, which are peeled, pitted, and pureed until smooth. Sugar is added to enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches, while a splash of lemon juice balances the flavours and adds a hint of tartness. Once the mixture is well-combined, it is churned in an ice cream maker or frozen in a shallow dish, occasionally stirring to break up ice crystals and achieve a smooth consistency. The result is a velvety sorbet that is light and airy. It is also perfect as a palate cleanser between courses.
Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are a simple and surprisingly delicious dessert that enhances the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a hint of caramelisation from the grill. To prepare grilled peaches, ripe peaches are halved and pitted. The cut sides of the peaches are lightly brushed with oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning on the grill. Optionally, a touch of honey or maple syrup can be drizzled over the cut sides for added sweetness. Once grilled, the peaches are carefully flipped and grilled briefly on the skin side to heat through. The grilling process softens the peaches slightly while infusing them with a smoky flavour that compliments their sweetness.