Tropical Vanilla Delight

Ingredients

• 2 vanilla beans 2 vanilla beans
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, vanilla seeds, and scraped vanilla beans. Heat over medium-low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour the lime juice mixture into the simmering coconut milk, whisking continuously.
5. 5.
   Continue to cook the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a smooth consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. 6.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the vanilla beans.
7. 7.
   Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm or chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Vanilla beans — To extract the maximum flavor from the vanilla beans, make sure to split them lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. The seeds contain the concentrated vanilla flavor that will infuse the sauce.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the creamy part is well mixed with the liquid. This will help achieve a smooth and consistent texture in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense vanilla flavor, you can let the scraped vanilla beans steep in the coconut milk for a few hours before heating.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
• To achieve a silky smooth texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
• This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or orange to add a unique twist to the sauce.

Serving advice

Drizzle the Taha’a Vanilla Sauce over a slice of warm coconut cake or use it as a dipping sauce for fresh tropical fruits. It also pairs beautifully with creamy desserts like panna cotta or custard.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the sauce with a sprinkle of freshly grated lime zest or a few edible flowers. Serve it in a small sauceboat or a decorative drizzling bottle for an elegant touch.