Caramel sous vide pineapple with pink peppercorns and a banana and passion fruit sorbet

This elegant dessert combines the tropical sweetness of caramel-infused sous vide pineapple with the subtle spice of pink peppercorns and the creamy, tangy delight of banana and passion fruit sorbet. It’s a sophisticated yet refreshing dessert that celebrates bold, fruity flavors with a touch of warmth and spice.

Ingredients:

For the Caramel Sous Vide Pineapple:

• 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp pink peppercorns, lightly crushed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Banana Passion Fruit Sorbet:

• 3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Pink peppercorns for sprinkling
• Shaved coconut or caramel drizzle

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pineapple:
   • In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes to a light amber color.
   • Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly.
   • Place the pineapple pieces in a sous vide bag, pour in the caramel, and sprinkle with pink peppercorns. Seal the bag.
2. Sous Vide Cooking:
   • Preheat your sous vide machine to 75°C (167°F).
   • Submerge the pineapple bag in the water bath and cook for 1-2 hours. Once done, remove and set aside. Reserve the caramel sauce from the bag for serving.
3. Make the Sorbet:
   • In a blender, combine bananas, passion fruit pulp, sugar, water, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
   • Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, freeze the mixture in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent large ice crystals.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
   • Arrange the caramelized pineapple on a serving plate. Drizzle with the reserved caramel sauce.
   • Add a scoop of banana passion fruit sorbet beside the pineapple.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh mint leaves, additional pink peppercorns, or shaved coconut if desired.
   • Serve immediately for a delightful combination of warm, spiced, and refreshing tropical flavors.

This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tang, creating an unforgettable finale for any meal.