Carrot souffle is a sweet, baked cake, made with grated or chopped carrots, that is often served in restaurants and cafes and is also a popular household preparation. The easy to prepare dish can be made with either sweet or savory flavorings. While the sweet variety is served as a dessert, the savory variety can be served as a side dish, an appetizer, or even as a snack.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients: Carrots (preferably fresh, cleaned and chopped or mashed), butter, sugar, salt, cream, oil, egg whites, egg yolks and milk are among the typical ingredients used in the preparation of carrot souffle. The dish can be made sweeter or more savory by adding sugar or salt as per taste and preference. At times, additional ingredients like marmalade, jellies, fruits and nuts are added to make the souffle more flavorful.
Preparation Overview: Baking is the preferred method when it comes to cooking carrot souffles. It takes about 30-35 minutes to make 4-5 servings. Ramekins are traditionally used as baking molds but modern day chefs also use molds and baking dishes of various shapes, sizes, and materials. The stiff egg whites are beaten together with the carrots and all the other ingredients and the batter is poured into the molds. The souffles are then baked till they are puffy and are completely cooked.
Variations
Common variations of the traditional carrot souffle include the reduced calorie and reduced fat variety and lactose intolerant friendly version. In order to drastically cut down the fat and calorie contents, sugar is replaced with sugar substitutes. In addition, skimmed milk and margarine are used. Low-fat cream is used instead of heavy cream in the low calorie option. At times, the cream is completely eliminated. To make the souffle suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, milk and milk products are completely replaced with coconut milk and olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Carrot souffle can be sweet or savory, or even both, and depending upon the taste., The preparation can be served as a dessert, appetizer, side dish, part of the main course or even a snack. Shredded carrots or chopped nuts make good garnishes and when served as a dessert, carrot soufflés can be accompanied with a dollop of fresh, whipped cream or marmalade and fruit slices.