Pavlova is a cherished dessert in Australia, named in honor of the famous Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova. This classic meringue-based treat is celebrated for its crisp exterior and soft, marshmallow-like interior, creating a delightful contrast in textures. Typically adorned with whipped cream and a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit, Pavlova is perfect for special occasions or simply to impress dinner guests.
Named after the renowned Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, this dessert was created during her tour of Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. The dessert's light and airy texture was said to be inspired by Pavlova's graceful and delicate dance performances. While both Australia and New Zealand claim the origin of Pavlova, it remains a beloved dish in both countries, often featured in celebrations and festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, passionfruit)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well between each addition until the mixture is glossy and stiff.
4. Sift the cornflour over the meringue mixture, then add the vinegar and fold gently to combine.
5. Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking tray, shaping it into a large circle with a slight indent in the middle.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until the pavlova is crisp on the outside but soft and marshmallow-like on the inside.
7. Turn off the oven and leave the pavlova to cool inside with the door slightly ajar.
8. Once cooled, top the pavlova with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Notes:
- Use caster sugar instead of granulated sugar for a smoother, glossier meringue.
- Ensure all equipment is clean and free from any traces of fat, as even a small amount can prevent proper whipping of the egg whites.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite fresh fruits; strawberries, kiwi, and passionfruit are traditional choices.
Nutrition Value:
1. 4 egg whites
- Calories: 68 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Protein: 14.8 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 166 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Egg whites are a high-quality source of protein, low in calories and fat, and contain essential vitamins and minerals important for muscle repair and overall health
2. 1 cup caster sugar
- Calories: 773 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 200 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Caster sugar provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content but lacks vitamins and minerals. It contributes to the texture and sweetness of the pavlova
3. 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch)
- Calories: 7 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.7 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Cornflour is used to stabilize the meringue, helping to achieve a light and airy texture. It adds minimal calories and no significant nutrients
4. 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Calories: 1 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: White vinegar helps stabilize the meringue by reacting with the proteins in the egg whites, aiding in the formation of a stable foam. It has negligible nutritional content
5. 1 cup whipped cream
- Calories: 51 kcal (per 2 tablespoons)
- Carbohydrates: 0.4 g (per 2 tablespoons)
- Protein: 0.3 g (per 2 tablespoons)
- Fat: 5.5 g (per 2 tablespoons)
- Sodium: 6 mg (per 2 tablespoons)
- Cholesterol: 22 mg (per 2 tablespoons)
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Whipped cream adds a rich flavor and creamy texture to the pavlova. It provides some essential nutrients like Vitamin A and calcium but is high in fat and cholesterol
6. Fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, passionfruit)
- Strawberries
- Calories: 32 kcal (per 100 g)
- Carbohydrates: 7.7 g (per 100 g)
- Protein: 0.7 g (per 100 g)
- Fat: 0.3 g (per 100 g)
- Sodium: 1 mg (per 100 g)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (per 100 g)
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and folate
- Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Strawberries are low in calories and rich in Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. They also provide antioxidants and fiber
- Kiwi
- Calories: 61 kcal (per 100 g)
- Carbohydrates: 14.7 g (per 100 g)
- Protein: 1.1 g (per 100 g)
- Fat: 0.5 g (per 100 g)
- Sodium: 3 mg (per 100 g)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (per 100 g)
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Kiwi is nutrient-dense with high Vitamin C content, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. It also contains dietary fiber and antioxidants
- Passionfruit
- Calories: 97 kcal (per 100 g)
- Carbohydrates: 23.4 g (per 100 g)
- Protein: 2.2 g (per 100 g)
- Fat: 0.4 g (per 100 g)
- Sodium: 28 mg (per 100 g)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (per 100 g)
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C and Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Passionfruit is rich in vitamins A and C, which contribute to overall health and immune function. It also provides dietary fiber and antioxidants
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