Soft meringue peaches with tamarind sauce

Are you looking for a unique and sophisticated dessert that will impress your guests at your next dinner party? Look no further than soft peaches with sauce. This dessert combines the delicate sweetness of meringue with the bold tanginess of tamarind for an unforgettable culinary experience.

To prepare this dessert, start with the meringue base. Begin by preheating your oven to 225°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat 3 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add ¾ cup of sugar to the egg whites, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and the sugar has dissolved completely. Pipe or spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in small rounds or nests, making sure to leave space between each one.

Bake the meringues for 1-2 hours, until they are crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. Allow them to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.

While the meringues are cooling, prepare the tamarind sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh tamarind pulp (or 1/2 cup of tamarind concentrate), 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened slightly. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.

To assemble the dessert, slice 3-4 fresh ripe peaches into thin wedges or cubes. Place a meringue nest or round on each plate and top with some sliced peaches. Drizzle the tamarind sauce over the peaches and meringue, being careful not to completely coat the meringue. Garnish each plate with some fresh mint leaves or edible flowers, if desired.

This dessert is not only visually stunning but also delicious and satisfying. The sweetness of the meringue balances perfectly with the tangy tamarind sauce, and the juicy peaches add a refreshing element. This dessert is perfect for warm summer nights and can be easily customized with different fruit and sauce combinations.

In addition, this dessert can be made ahead of time, as the meringues can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week and the tamarind sauce can be refrigerated for up to a month. Simply assemble the dessert just before serving for optimal presentation and texture.

In conclusion, soft meringue peaches with tamarind sauce are an impressive dessert that will leave your guests raving. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this dessert is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party. Give it a try and elevate your dessert game to the next level.