In India, a country with a rich tradition of desserts and a growing affinity for innovative baking trends, ruby chocolate has started to make its mark. From luxurious wedding cakes to trendy pastries in boutique bakeries, ruby chocolate is being embraced for its unique aesthetic and taste.
This article will explore the rise of ruby chocolate in the cake industry, its distinct properties, and its applications in both Western and Indian-inspired cakes. We will look at the versatility of ruby chocolate in various cake recipes and decorations, and how it can be paired with traditional Indian ingredients to create delightful fusion desserts.
The Discovery of Ruby Chocolate
Ruby chocolate's journey began with the ruby cocoa bean, which is distinct from the beans used to produce dark, milk, or white chocolate. The beans are sourced primarily from Ecuador, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast. Barry Callebaut spent over a decade perfecting the process to unlock the beans' unique flavour and colour without the need for added colours or flavours.
The launch of Ruby Chocolate in 2017 was met with great excitement. Its natural pink colour and berry-like taste offer a new and exotic option for chocolatiers and bakers worldwide. Chocolate production involves a delicate balance of processing techniques that preserve the natural hues and flavours of the cocoa beans. Ruby chocolate stands out due to its:
- Colour: Unlike any other chocolate, ruby chocolate boasts a natural pink or reddish hue. This vibrant colour makes it an attractive choice for cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance and novelty.
- Flavour: Ruby chocolate has a distinctive berry-like flavour with a subtle tartness. It is less sweet than white chocolate but has a creaminess that complements its fruity notes. This unique taste profile opens up new possibilities for pairing with various ingredients.
- Texture: Ruby chocolate maintains the smooth, creamy texture typical of high-quality chocolate, making it versatile for use in both baking and decorating.
Ruby Chocolate In India
In India, the adoption of ruby chocolate is still in its nascent stages, but it is gaining traction among avant-garde bakers and dessert enthusiasts. Indian bakeries are starting to incorporate ruby chocolate into their offerings, combining it with traditional Indian flavours to create unique fusion desserts.
Ruby chocolate's vibrant colour and berry flavour make it a perfect match for the colourful and flavourful world of Indian sweets. From classic cakes with an Indian twist to innovative desserts that blend Eastern and Western culinary traditions, ruby chocolate is opening up new avenues for creativity in Indian patisserie.
Indian-Inspired Ruby Chocolate Cakes and Desserts
Ruby Chocolate Rasmalai Cake
Rasmalai is a beloved Indian dessert made from soft paneer balls soaked in flavoured milk. Combining this traditional sweet with ruby chocolate creates a decadent and visually appealing fusion cake. Use a vanilla or cardamom-flavoured sponge cake as the base. The subtle flavours of the sponge will complement the ruby chocolate and the rich milk in the rasmalai.
Frost the cake with a ruby chocolate ganache or buttercream, adding a layer of ruby chocolate mousse or crushed rasmalai between the layers for added texture and flavour. Garnish the cake with pieces of rasmalai, a drizzle of ruby chocolate ganache, and a sprinkling of pistachios or edible rose petals for an elegant finish.
Ruby Chocolate Gulab Jamun Cheesecake
Gulab jamun, another classic Indian sweet, can be paired with ruby chocolate to create a unique and indulgent cheesecake.
Prepare a biscuit crust, and top it with a layer of creamy cheesecake filling. Incorporate ruby chocolate into the cheesecake mixture for a hint of berry flavour and a pink hue. Top the cheesecake with mini gulab jamuns, allowing their syrup to soak into the cheesecake slightly.
The combination of the syrupy sweetness of gulab jamuns with the creamy, tangy ruby chocolate cheesecake is a match made in heaven. Garnish with ruby chocolate shavings and a drizzle of gulab jamun syrup to enhance the flavours and create a visually stunning dessert.
Ruby Chocolate Barfi
Barfi is a popular Indian sweet made from condensed milk and sugar, often flavoured with nuts or spices. Adding ruby chocolate to this traditional treat can create a delightful fusion sweet. Mix condensed milk with ghee and cook until thickened.
Stir in chopped ruby chocolate and continue to cook until the mixture forms a smooth mass. Pour into a greased tray and let it set before cutting into pieces. Enhance the ruby chocolate barfi with additional flavours like cardamom or saffron. Garnish with slivers of almonds or pistachios for added texture and a touch of luxury.
Ruby Chocolate Phirni
Phirni is a creamy rice pudding-like dessert flavoured with cardamom and saffron. For a modern twist, incorporate ruby chocolate into the phirni mixture after cooking the rice with milk until thickened. The ruby chocolate adds a fruity and slightly tangy note to the creamy phirni, creating a delightful contrast. Serve chilled in earthenware pots (kulhads) and garnish with slivered almonds and a sprinkle of rose petals.
Ruby Chocolate Jalebi
Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet made by deep-frying batter in pretzel or circular shapes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup. To make ruby chocolate jalebi, substitute a portion of the flour in the batter with ruby chocolate powder or melted ruby chocolate. Fry until crisp and golden, then soak the jalebis in a ruby chocolate-infused sugar syrup. This adaptation offers a unique twist on the classic jalebi, enhancing its sweetness with the fruity undertones of ruby chocolate.
Ruby Chocolate Coconut Ladoo
Coconut ladoo is a beloved Indian sweet made from coconut, condensed milk, and cardamom. To create a ruby chocolate version, mix shredded coconut with condensed milk and a touch of rose water or cardamom powder. Form the mixture into small balls (ladoos) and dip them in melted ruby chocolate. Allow them to set before garnishing with shredded coconut or chopped pistachios. The ruby chocolate adds a fruity flavour that complements the coconut and elevates the traditional ladoo into a luxurious treat.
Ruby chocolate's arrival marks a new era in the world of desserts, and its potential in Indian cuisine is vast and exciting. By blending tradition with innovation, Ruby Chocolate allows us to celebrate the past while exploring new frontiers in taste and presentation.