| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 16g | 10g | 52g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 2g | 4g | 0.10g |
Strolling through the bountiful farmers’ markets of California on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I discovered inspiration for one of my most adored recipes – the Vanilla Plum Crumble. Its distinct blend of sweet and tart flavors resonates with the duality of my Indian-American heritage. In my family’s kitchen, it is a cherished treat that adds a touch of warmth and joy to any occasion.
A Sweet Fusion of Cultures
Celebrating the fusion of traditional Gujarati flavors and fresh Californian produce, the Vanilla Plum Crumble delivers a torrent of sensory delights. Much akin to a classic British plum crumble, the flavor is amplified with the addition of pure vanilla, taking this classic comfort food to indulgent new heights. To accompany this vibrant dessert, perhaps a glass of intense and full-bodied white wine would round off the experience nicely.
Nourished by Nature
The recipe for the Vanilla Plum Crumble not only promises an exquisite gastronomic adventure but also offers a range of health benefits. The star of the dish, the plum, holds an impressive array of vitamins and minerals. They’re particularly rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. Being a source of dietary fiber, plums also aid digestion and can promote a healthier heart.
Every spoonful of this luscious dessert is akin to taking a delightful journey through my personal culinary narrative. It encapsulates my fascination with blending flavors from my roots and my home, California – creating harmonious symphonies of taste that pay homage to both. The Vanilla Plum Crumble is not just a recipe to me, it’s a heartfelt story shared through the universal language of food.
As a part of a bigger meal, the crumble pairs wonderfully with neutral flavors, giving ample space for its fruity notes to shine. Try serving it after a classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad or a hearty Vegan Chilli, ensuring a delightful close to any dining experience.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 2 lbs of fresh plums, pitted and sliced
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step Three
Add 1/2 cup of chilled and diced unsalted butter to the bowl. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Set the crumb mixture aside.
Step Four
In another bowl, toss 2 lbs of pitted and sliced fresh plums with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until the plums are evenly coated. Transfer the plum mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step Five
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the plum mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the plums are bubbling.
Step Six
Allow the crumble to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. If desired, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your Vanilla Plum Crumble!
