CHOCOLATE BUDINO WITH OLIVE OIL AND SALT

Chocolate Budino with Olive Oil and Salt image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories dessert

Time 3h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 cups half-and-half
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 large egg
3 egg yolks
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted (about 1 cup), plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla paste

Steps:

To a medium saucepan, whisk together the half-and-half, whole milk, cocoa powder, 1/4 cup of the sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Place over medium heat and bring just to a simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 to 5 minute. Remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, whole egg, egg yolks and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until well combined, thick and pale yellow in color.
While whisking, slowly pour or ladle in about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the remaining milk mixture. Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened to the consistency of pancake batter, 5 to 6 minutes.
Place the melted chocolate in a medium bowl. Place a fine-mesh strainer over the bowl. Pour the cooked custard through the strainer into the melted chocolate, pressing it through the strainer. Remove the strainer and whisk the hot custard and chocolate until completely combined and smooth. Stir in the almond extract and olive oil.
Evenly divide the budino between six 4- to 6-ounce small glass cups, bowls or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and place into the fridge to chill, 3 to 4 hours.
In a chilled large bowl, whisk the heavy cream with a handheld electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add the vanilla paste and continue to whip to soft peaks, about 5 minutes. Cover and chill until ready to use.
When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap from each budino and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of olive oil, a grating of bittersweet chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.