Nommune

Calamansi Lime Curd with Ginger Crumble and Cardamom Cream

Calamansi Lime Curd with Ginger Crumble and Cardamom Cream

By Jonathan Louis Ng

A tropical dessert layered with lime coconut curd, ginger crumble, and cardamom whipped cream, topped with mango.

dessert,fusion,southeast asian

ServingsDifficultyActive TimeTotal Time

4

intermediate

50m

55m

This tropical dessert is inspired by key lime pies, but is a deconstructed version with Asian flavours. The lime coconut curd is a cross between kaya and lemon curd, while the base is reminiscent of a cheesecake, combining a digestive biscuit base with powdered ginger to get an aromatic crumble that adds texture to the curd. Rounding off the dessert is a cardamom whipped cream, fresh mango, and floral basil leaves, a classic complement with lime.

Ingredients

  • 60 millilitres lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 200 millilitres coconut milk
  • 80 grams sugar
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1 gram salt
  • 30 grams coconut sugar
  • 90 grams butter
  • 180 grams digestive biscuits
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 240 grams heavy cream
  • 30 grams icing sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 320 grams mango
  • Fresh basil leaves

Nutrition

Per serving (serves 4)
High saturated fat
High cholesterol
Calories
905
Protein
10 g
Fat
62 g
Carbs
87 g

Instructions

  1. Lime Coconut Curd

    1. 1

      Cut lemongrass into small pieces.

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    2. 2

      In a saucepan, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, coconut milk, sugar, egg yolks and salt.

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    3. 3

      Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Stirring will keep the eggs from overcooking. You're looking for a consistency like a thick gravy; the curd will thicken further when it cools down.

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    4. 4

      Strain the curd through a fine sieve into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface and refrigerate until set. You can make this a few days ahead.

      recipe
    • 60 millilitres lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon lime zest
    • 200 millilitres coconut milk
    • 80 grams sugar
    • 5 egg yolks
    • 1 gram salt
  2. Ginger Crumble

    1. 1

      Preheat the oven to 175ºC and prepare a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper.

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    2. 2

      Melt butter. I added butter to a microwave-safe bowl and left it in a microwave on a high setting for a minute, but you can also melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan.

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    3. 3

      Grate the coconut sugar finely. I used the large holes of a box grater.

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    4. 4

      Grind the digestive biscuits into crumbs. You can use a food processor or follow my lead and place the biscuits into a sealed bag and pound with a rolling pin. You're looking to get mostly fine crumbs, but some coarse crumbs are alright.

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    5. 5

      In a bowl, mix digestive biscuit crumbs, ground ginger, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

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    6. 6

      Spread the mixture on a baking sheet, pressing down to create a compact layer. This will help create larger crumble pieces. Bake in the oven until golden brown, around 8 minutes.

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    7. 7

      Allow it to cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days.

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    • 30 grams coconut sugar
    • 90 grams butter
    • 180 grams digestive biscuits
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  3. Cardamom Whipped Cream

    1. 1

      In a bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar and ground cardamom together until soft peaks form. Use an electric whisk if you have one. Make this just before serving.

      recipe
    • 240 grams heavy cream
    • 30 grams icing sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  4. To Finish

    1. 1

      Cut mango into large dice.

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    2. 2

      Spoon the chilled lime coconut curd into a serving dish. Top with ginger crumble, cardamom whipped cream, diced mango, and fresh basil leaves.

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    • Lime Coconut Curd
    • Ginger Crumble
    • Cardamom Whipped Cream
    • 320 grams mango
    • Fresh basil leaves