Puding Karamel: A Classic Indonesian Dessert
Puding karamel is a popular Indonesian dessert known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich, caramel flavor. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This article will guide you through the basic recipe and variations of this beloved dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the custard:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a light amber color.
- Be careful not to burn the sugar!
- Immediately pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. Let it cool.
Make the custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in a larger pan. Pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let the pudding cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Serving:
To serve, run a thin knife around the edges of the pudding to loosen it from the sides. Invert the pudding onto a serving platter. The caramel sauce will pour over the custard, creating a beautiful and delicious topping.
Variations:
- Coffee Caramel Pudding: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the caramel mixture.
- Chocolate Caramel Pudding: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the custard mixture.
- Fruit Caramel Pudding: Top the pudding with fresh fruit slices like mangoes, bananas, or strawberries.
- Coconut Caramel Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the custard mixture.
Tips:
- For a smoother caramel, use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar reaches the correct temperature.
- If the caramel becomes too dark, add a few tablespoons of water to lighten the color.
- For a richer custard, use whole milk instead of evaporated milk.
- You can also use a springform pan for easier removal.
Enjoy this classic Indonesian dessert!