Strawberry Mousse

Ingredients

• 3 gelatine leaves (soaked in cold water)
• 500 g ripe strawberries (halved, plus extra to serve)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 5 tbsp caster sugar (divided)
• 2 free-range egg whites
• 200 ml double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps

1. 1

   Soak the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, or until soft.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, place the halved strawberries, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the caster sugar in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.

3. 3

   Remove 100g (3½oz) of the strawberry purée, cover it, and store in the fridge until ready to serve; this will be used as a topping.

4. 4

   Drain the softened gelatine leaves and place them in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of the remaining strawberry purée.

5. 5

   Melt the gelatine mixture in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat. Ensure it melts completely but do not let it boil.

6. 6

   In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they hold firm peaks.

7. 7

   Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of caster sugar to the egg whites and whisk again until the mixture is stiff, smooth, and glossy.

8. 8

   In a separate bowl, whip the double cream with the vanilla extract until it holds medium-firm peaks.

9. 9

   Using a large spoon, gently fold the remaining strawberry purée into the whipped cream.

10. 10

    Add the melted gelatine mixture to the cream and fold until thoroughly combined.

11. 11

    Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the strawberry cream mixture, being careful not to knock out too much air.

12. 12

    Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until set.

13. 13

    To serve, spoon the reserved strawberry purée over the top of each set mousse and garnish each with a halved strawberry.

Notes

This recipe is gluten-free and nut-free. Ensure the gelatine does not boil when melting, as this can prevent it from setting properly.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• strawberry
• mousse
• gluten-free
• nut-free
• make-ahead
• summer
• fruit