Ginger souffle is a light and puffy baked cake prepared with ginger as one of the main ingredients. Other essential ingredients include egg white, egg yolk, cream and milk. The dish is often served as an appetizer as well as side dish. The combination of the sharp taste of ginger with the mellow flavor of eggs makes this a unique preparation and a delicacy in many parts of the world. When made right, ginger souffles are a very enjoyable dish and can be paired with wines, grills, roasts and various other accompaniments.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients: Typical ingredients used in the preparation of ginger souffles include fresh ginger, milk, egg white, egg yolk, cream, salt, sugar, oil and butter. Although the souffle is mostly savory, a sweet variation can be made by adding more sugar and mixing the ginger with sweeter vegetables like pumpkin and butternut. Additional ingredients that complement ginger, like rosemary, paprika, cumin, potato and pear, are often added to make different variations of the basil souffle. Cheese is also a popular addition and makes the preparation creamier and softer than usual.
Preparation: A tricky but easy preparation, ginger souffle is made cooked via the method of baking. The egg whites are first beaten till stiff and then mixed with the egg yolks. The mixture is then beaten together with all the other ingredients and a smooth batter is formed. The batter is poured into baking molds and baked till the souffles are done. There should be no runny bits and the tops should be puffy, well-risen and light golden in color.
Variations
Ginger souffles are very versatile and can be made in various ways, with many additional ingredients. The Ginger and Pear Souffle, popularized by Martha Stewart, pleasantly combines the tanginess of ginger with the sweetness of pear. It is often served with a topping of sweetened ginger syrup. The Ginger and Pumpkin Souffle, as the name suggests, is made with ginger mixed with pumpkins, giving the souffle a sweeter-than-usual taste. Regional variations of the souffle are made by mixing ginger with local ingredients and different varieties of cheese are used to make various versions of the basil ginger souffle.
Serving
Ginger souffles are usually served piping hot, fresh out of the oven. These can be served as an appetizer, a side dish or a snack. Sweeter versions of the dish make a good dessert. Popular toppings/garnishing include shredded cheese, grated ginger, ginger syrup and caramelized sugar, to name a few. A dollop of fresh cream makes a good accompaniment to ginger souffle.