Recipe

Mató de Pedralbes - Christmas Island Style

Tropical Delight: Mató de Pedralbes with a Christmas Island Twist

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Christmas Island with this tropical twist on the traditional Spanish dessert, Mató de Pedralbes. This creamy and refreshing dessert is infused with the vibrant tastes of the island, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Dessert› Custard› Mató de Pedralbes

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Spanish cuisine

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Christmas Island cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

No cooking required

Total time

2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Nut-free (excluding local nuts), Lactose-free (if using lactose-free fresh cheese), Egg-free

Allergens

Dairy (fresh cheese), Nuts (local nuts)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

In this Christmas Island adaptation, we incorporate tropical flavors such as coconut and pineapple to give the dish a distinct island twist. The traditional nuts used in the original recipe are replaced with local nuts found on Christmas Island. Additionally, we enhance the flavors by drizzling the dessert with a tangy passion fruit sauce, adding a burst of tropical sweetness. We alse have the original recipe for Mató de Pedralbes, so you can check it out.

500g (17.6 oz) fresh cheese 500g (17.6 oz) fresh cheese
200g (7 oz) sugar 200g (7 oz) sugar
200ml (6.8 fl oz) coconut milk 200ml (6.8 fl oz) coconut milk
1 cup pineapple chunks 1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup local nuts (e.g., macadamia, almond) 1 cup local nuts (e.g., macadamia, almond)
4 passion fruits 4 passion fruits
Honey, for drizzling Honey, for drizzling

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 30g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh cheese and sugar until well blended.
2.
Gradually add the coconut milk while stirring continuously to achieve a smooth consistency.
3.
Gently fold in the pineapple chunks.
4.
Transfer the mixture into individual serving bowls or glasses.
5.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
6.
Meanwhile, prepare the passion fruit sauce by scooping out the pulp from the passion fruits and straining it to remove the seeds.
7.
Once chilled, remove the Mató de Pedralbes from the refrigerator and drizzle with the passion fruit sauce.
8.
Sprinkle the local nuts on top and finish with a generous drizzle of honey.
9.
Serve chilled and enjoy the tropical flavors of Christmas Island.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Fresh cheese — Make sure to use a soft and creamy fresh cheese, such as ricotta or queso fresco, for the best texture.
Local nuts — If you can't find local nuts from Christmas Island, you can substitute them with your favorite nuts like macadamia or almond.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra tropical touch, you can add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top of the Mató de Pedralbes before serving.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar or drizzle additional honey on top.
Experiment with different tropical fruits like mango or papaya to create your own unique flavor combinations.
To save time, you can prepare the passion fruit sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Serve the Mató de Pedralbes with a side of fresh tropical fruits for a complete Christmas Island experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Mató de Pedralbes chilled in individual bowls or glasses to showcase its vibrant colors. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can drizzle the passion fruit sauce in a decorative pattern on top of the Mató de Pedralbes. Sprinkle some finely grated lime zest over the dessert for a pop of color and citrus aroma.