Fast Recipes

Balsamic caramel figs with ricotta mousse

Australian Gourmet Traveller fast dessert recipe for balsamic caramel figs with ricotta mousse

By Sophia Young
  • Serves 6
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Balsamic caramel figs with ricotta mousse

Ingredients

  • 550 gm fresh ricotta
  • 150 gm mascarpone
  • To serve: finely grated rind of 1 orange, plus extra rind, cut into julienne, optional
  • 2 tbsp sweet Marsala
  • 4 eggwhites
  • 300 gm caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 9 ripe figs, halved

Method

Main
  • 1
    Push ricotta through a fine sieve over a bowl, add mascarpone, orange rind and Marsala and stir gently to combine.
  • 2
    Using an electric mixer, whisk eggwhites and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form, then gradually add 150gm sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form and mixture is thick and glossy. Using a large metal spoon, stir one-third of eggwhites into ricotta mixture, then gently fold in remaining eggwhites until just combined. Spoon ricotta mousse among six 300ml glasses, then refrigerate while preparing figs.
  • 3
    Place remaining sugar and ¼ cup water in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then boil, without stirring, until mixture turns a deep golden. Remove from heat and immediately stir in balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp water, taking care as mixture will spit violently. Return pan to heat and stir until mixture is smooth. Add figs, one at a time, to caramel mixture and turn to coat, then divide among glasses. Spoon remaining caramel over figs and serve immediately.