A duo of ramekins showcasing a golden caramel top covering a creamy, off-white custard. Each ramekin is adorned with a thin sunchoke chip. The elegant simplicity invites the eater to break through the caramelized sugar layer to discover the velvety custard below.

Sunchoke Surprise Crème Brûlée

Name: Sunchoke Surprise Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 large sunchoke, 1 large peeled and thinly sliced; heavy cream, 1 cup; large egg yolks, 2 large; sugar, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons for topping; pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon; salt, Pinch; water, Warm

Category Dessert

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 50 minutes

Style French

Technique Simmering

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: January 05, 2024

We're diving into French cuisine with an interesting spin on a classic dessert – Crème Brûlée. Instead of the traditional vanilla, we're integrating a unique ingredient, Sunchoke, known for its sweetness and slight nuttiness. This modification brings a seasonally appropriate earthy undertone to this delightful dessert.

Ingredients (for 2)

1 large sunchoke - 1 large - peeled and thinly sliced
Heavy cream - 1 cup
Large egg yolks - 2 large
Sugar - 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons - for topping
Pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
Salt - Pinch
Water - - Warm

Preparation

Step 1 - 🌡️🔥🕑

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2 - 🥘🍶🍠

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sunchoke slices. Simmer until the sunchoke is soft.
Step 3 - ⏩🥤🆒

Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Let it cool.
Step 4 - 🥚🥣🥄

In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the cooled sunchoke cream, continuously whisking.
Step 5 - 🍮💦🛁

Pour the mixture into two ramekins. Place the ramekins in a larger pan and pour in warm water until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
Step 6 - ⏲️🔥❄️

Bake for about 45-50 minutes until set. Let it cool and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 7 - 🥄🔥😋

Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on each. Use a torch to melt the sugar until it caramelizes. Top with a sunchoke chip for a striking finish. Enjoy!

Additional

For an added touch, consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small sprig of fresh mint. This recipe is an excellent way to incorporate more root vegetables into your diet during winter and early spring when they are at their peak.