Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Ingredients:
- Fresh Strawberries: 2 cups, hulled and sliced
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, divided
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
- Unflavored Gelatin Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- Place the sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, making sure there are no large pieces. You should have about 1 1/2 cups of strawberry puree.
- Transfer the strawberry puree to a medium saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Dissolve the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, combine the gelatin powder and water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom, which means the gelatin will absorb the water and become spongy.
- After blooming, heat the gelatin mixture gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or over a double boiler, until it becomes liquid. Stir to ensure it’s completely dissolved. Add this gelatin mixture to the cooled strawberry puree and mix well.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; the cream should be light and airy but not dry.
- Combine Strawberry Puree and Whipped Cream:
- Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Begin by adding a small amount of the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture to lighten it, then fold in the rest of the whipped cream. Be gentle to maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
- Chill the Mousse:
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or glasses. Cover with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set and has a light, airy texture.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips:
- Strawberry Selection: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use high-quality frozen strawberries, thawed and drained.
- Gelatin Alternatives: If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can substitute with agar-agar, a vegetarian alternative, following the package instructions for blooming and dissolving.
- Flavor Variations: For a twist, consider adding a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or a teaspoon of lemon zest to the strawberry puree.
This strawberry mousse is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its smooth, creamy texture and bright strawberry flavor make it a favorite among dessert lovers.
