Coconut Pudding with Pineapple and Candied Cashews

• Recipe by Aniamma Philip

This dessert is called a soufflé at Philipkutty’s Farm, but it’s much more like a rich, creamy pudding with deep tropical flavors and a sweet, nutty garnish. Here it’s molded in an 8-inch square pan; the pudding can also be prepared in individual custard cups or ramekins. Cooking the pineapple mixture is key because raw pineapple contains an enzyme that prevents a pudding from setting.

Ingredients

1. 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3. 1 envelope unflavored powdered gelatin
4. 1/4 cup water
5. One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
6. One 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
7. 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
8. 1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
9. 1 large egg white
10. 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
11. 1/2 cup salted roasted cashews, split lengthwise

Directions

1. In a small skillet, cook the pineapple with the granulated sugar over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the pineapple is just tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish.
2. In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let stand until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk with the coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and the vanilla.
4. Warm the gelatin over moderate heat, swirling the pan, until dissolved. Pour the gelatin mixture into the condensed milk mixture and stir gently until blended.
5. In a stainless steel bowl, beat the egg white until firm peaks form. Fold the beaten egg white into the condensed milk mixture then pour the mixture over the pineapple. Cover and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.
6. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, combine the brown sugar with the remaining 1 teaspoon of lime juice and cook over moderately high heat until just melted. Add the cashews and stir to coat. Transfer to a plate to cool and harden.
7. Cut the coconut pudding into squ

Make Ahead

The pudding can be refrigerated overnight.