Orange Pudding Recipe
Orange pudding is a refreshing and vibrant dessert that brings the tangy sweetness of fresh oranges together with a smooth, creamy custard. The combination of citrus and custard makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion. With simple ingredients like oranges, eggs, and milk, this dish is easy to make but offers a delightful burst of flavor.
Ingredients for Orange Pudding
- 4 Oranges: The star of the recipe, oranges provide a fresh and zesty flavor. They also add a juicy texture to the pudding, making it feel light and refreshing.
- 3 Eggs: Eggs serve a dual purpose in this pudding. The yolks help thicken the custard, while the whipped whites create a delicate meringue topping that is browned to perfection.
- 3 Cupfuls of Milk: Milk forms the base of the custard, giving it a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the citrus.
- 2 Tablespoonfuls of Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the custard, ensuring it sets properly without being too runny.
- 1 Cupful of Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the oranges, while also helping to flavor both the custard and the meringue topping.
- Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the other flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the oranges and custard.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orange Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Oranges
Begin by peeling the 4 oranges, removing both the skin and any seeds. You want to ensure that no bitter pith remains, so carefully remove any white parts attached to the fruit. After the oranges are peeled, finely chop them into small pieces. This helps to distribute the orange flavor throughout the pudding.
Place the chopped oranges in a bowl, and sprinkle half of the cup of sugar over them. Let the mixture sit for a few hours. This process helps the oranges release their natural juices, enhancing the citrus flavor of the pudding. The sugar also softens the fruit, making it blend more seamlessly into the custard later on.
Step 2: Make the Custard
While the oranges are marinating, prepare the custard. Start by separating the eggs—placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the remaining sugar, 2 tablespoonfuls of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Next, heat the 3 cupfuls of milk in a pot over medium heat. As the milk begins to boil, carefully stir the yolk mixture into the hot milk. Continue stirring constantly to prevent the cornstarch from clumping and to ensure the custard thickens evenly. The mixture should begin to thicken after a few minutes. Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine with Oranges
Once the custard has cooled a bit, pour it over the bowl of oranges and sugar. Stir gently to ensure the oranges are evenly distributed throughout the pudding. The combination of citrus and rich custard creates a wonderful contrast in both flavor and texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Meringue Topping
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to a stiff froth using a whisk or electric mixer. The key to a good meringue is making sure the whites hold firm peaks when you lift the whisk. Once the whites are stiff, gradually fold in 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar. This addition sweetens the meringue while also helping it hold its shape.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the meringue evenly over the top of the pudding mixture. The meringue should form a light, fluffy layer that covers the entire surface of the pudding.
Place the assembled pudding in the oven on a low setting and bake until the meringue turns golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it, as meringue can brown quickly. The goal is to achieve a nice, toasted look without burning the top. Once browned, remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Orange pudding is best served cold, as the cool temperature enhances the contrast between the rich custard and the fresh, tangy oranges. Place the pudding in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the pudding to set fully. When you’re ready to serve, scoop the pudding into bowls, making sure to include a bit of the golden meringue on each portion.
Approximate Calorie Count
A serving of orange pudding, when divided into 8 portions, will likely contain 200-250 calories per serving. The milk, sugar, and eggs contribute to most of the calories, while the oranges add some natural sweetness without many additional calories. The meringue topping, while light and airy, does contain a small amount of sugar and adds to the overall calorie count.