| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 485 | 20g | 17g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 2g | 5g | 0.11g |
Today we are diving into the ins and outs of one of my all-time favorite desserts: Durian and Coconut Milk Pudding. This creamy and satisfying dish, which draws on the rich flavors of the East, offers a unique twist on the traditional puddings we grew up with. Despite its exotic origins, it captures the rich tapestry of New York City’s food scene, a melting pot of cuisines from around the world. Just like a Broadway play lifts the curtain to a whole other world, this pudding takes you on a culinary trip you can’t resist.
Unveiling the Health Benefits
But there’s much more to this treat than its undeniably delectable taste. The humble Durian – often referred to as the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asia – is packed with fiber, vitamin C and potassium, making it not just tasty, but also highly nutritious. In a similar vein, coconut milk adds a sensational creamy texture and an abundance of health benefits. It’s an excellent source of healthy fats and can support weight loss. Balance this richness with the calcium and protein contained in whole milk, and you’ve got a dessert that’s as good for you as it is good.
Comparing with Analogous Dishes
Enjoy the Durian and Coconut Milk Pudding as a standalone delicacy, or pair it with other traditional Asian dishes for a full dining experience. It shares a similar flavor profile with the notorious Durian Mousse Cake, a favorite in Singapore and Malaysia. If aiming for a complementary savory companion, a light, herbal dish like Lemongrass Chicken would create a delightful balance of flavors. This pudding also fits cohesively within a multi-course Asian-inspired meal, nicely following a serving of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry – a personal favorite dinner option of mine.
A Broadway of Flavors
From the bustling back-alley eateries of Chinatown to the glitz and glamor of Broadway, New York City is home to a vibrant, extraordinary mix of cultures, traditions, and most importantly, foods. With this Durian and Coconut Milk Pudding, we create a melting pot of flavors in our own kitchen. And that to me is the soul of cooking – the chance to blend, transform and stage stories through food. Now, the stage is set, the curtain raises: find your spoon, the show is about to begin!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups peeled and seeded Durian fruit
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) Coconut milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling and deseeding your durian fruit until you have 2 full cups. Set aside.
Step Two
Combine the coconut milk, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until it forms a smooth paste.
Step Four
Slowly pour your cornstarch mixture into your heated milk mixture, and continue stirring constantly.
Step Five
Once the mixture begins to thicken and come to a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir for around 2 minutes.
Step Six
Add the durian fruit to your saucepan, and stir to incorporate. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the fruit has softened.
Step Seven
Remove the saucepan from heat and then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step Eight
Pour the pudding into your desired dishes and place them in the refrigerator to chill. Ideally, the pudding should set for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy your Durian and Coconut Milk Pudding!
