Description

This carrot souffle, named Orange Cloud With Pecan Dust, is a fluffy and sweet side dish with bright orange and warm spice notes, perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings. It is a flexible and healthy option that bakes to a perfect golden brown with a delightful pecan topping.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh carrots, peeled and sliced (approx. 900g)
4 large eggs, separated
0.5 cup granulated sugar (100g)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
0.25 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated
0.25 cup fresh orange juice (60ml)
0.5 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
0.25 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prep Carrots: Peel and slice carrots into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Boil or steam until very fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain well, then mash or puree until completely smooth.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warm mashed carrots, melted butter, granulated sugar, fresh orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth and well incorporated (about 2 minutes).
Prepare Egg Yolks: Lightly beat the egg yolks and stir them into the carrot mixture until just combined.
Whip Egg Whites: In a separate, clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form (typically 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer).
Gently Fold: Carefully fold about one-third of the whipped egg whites into the carrot mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites until just combined, being careful not to deflate the air.
Bake to Perfection: Pour the carrot mixture into a prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle generously with finely chopped toasted pecans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, puffed, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Notes

For a reduced-sugar option, adjust the granulated sugar or use a natural sugar substitute. For gluten-sensitive diets, use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. If you have nut allergies, substitute toasted sunflower seeds for pecans. When folding egg whites, be extremely gentle to maintain the soufflé’s airy texture; overmixing can deflate the mixture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/10th of 9x13 inch dish
Calories: 310 calories
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg