North Karnataka Style Almond Macarons

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional French macarons are transformed into a North Karnataka delight by incorporating regional flavors and spices. The almond macarons are infused with the aromatic essence of cardamom, which adds a unique twist to the original recipe. Additionally, the filling is made with almond buttercream, enhancing the nutty flavor profile of the macarons. We alse have the original recipe for Macarons, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 1/2 cups) almond flour 200g (1 1/2 cups) almond flour
• 200g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar 200g (1 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
• 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar 150g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 150g (5 large) egg whites 150g (5 large) egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Food coloring (optional) Food coloring (optional)
• Almond buttercream filling: Almond buttercream filling:
• 150g (1 1/4 cups) powdered sugar 150g (1 1/4 cups) powdered sugar
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 50g (1/4 cup) almond butter 50g (1/4 cup) almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 10g (total), 4g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (total), 18g (sugars)
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until well combined. Add cardamom powder and food coloring (if desired) and continue folding until the batter is smooth and glossy.
5. 5.
   Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each macaron.
6. 6.
   Tap the baking sheet gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to develop a skin.
7. 7.
   Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set and easily lift off the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Meanwhile, prepare the almond buttercream filling. In a bowl, beat the powdered sugar, softened butter, almond butter, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
9. 9.
   Match the macaron shells in pairs of similar sizes. Pipe a small amount of almond buttercream onto the flat side of one shell and sandwich it with another shell.
10. 10.
    Refrigerate the macarons for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground to achieve a smooth texture in the macarons.
• Cardamom powder — Use freshly ground cardamom powder for the best flavor.
• Food coloring — Add a few drops of food coloring to the macaron batter to achieve vibrant colors.

Tips & Tricks

• Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature before whisking to achieve maximum volume.
• Let the macarons rest at room temperature before baking to develop a smooth surface.
• Use a template or draw circles on the parchment paper to pipe uniform macaron shells.
• Allow the macarons to mature in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours for the best flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.

Serving advice

Serve the North Karnataka Almond Macarons as a delightful dessert or as a sweet accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. Arrange them on a platter or in a decorative box for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, dust the macarons with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible gold dust. Arrange them in a circular pattern on a serving plate or tiered tray for an eye-catching display.