Salted Vanilla Budino
Salted Vanilla Budino
Budino is a classic Italian pudding or custard whose classic foundation and recipe can be tweaked in any direction you choose. From butterscotch, chocolate, coffee, or vanilla, your imagination is your only limitation. My vanilla Budino is adorned with coarse sea salt for a perfect finishing touch encouraging bite after bite of delectable deliciousness. Plus, if that wasn’t enough motivation, I skipped the cream and butter from the classic recipe offering a slightly lighter variety…mostly so I wouldn’t feel so bad having two servings. The things that motivate us I tell you!
Yield: 8, 6-ounce servings
Oven: N/A
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minute
3 cups whole milk
1/4 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 egg yolks, lightly whisked to break yolks
1 egg, lightly whisked to break yolk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste – see kitchen note
Maldon, or other flaky sea salt, for garnish
Optional Garnishes:
Espresso shot
Kahlua
Olive oil
Black sea salt
Method:
1. In a medium size saucepan over medium heat, add milk and while occasionally stirring, heat until just simmering.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium size bowl, whisk together cornstarch, brown sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla bean paste. Using a ladle, gradually temper the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking being careful to not scramble the eggs.
3. Return contents back to the saucepan and over medium heat, whisk until mixturethicken and resembles the texture of pudding.
4. Remove from heat and divide among 8, 6-ounce ramekins. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
5. Right before serving, add a pinch of Maldon (or other flaky sea salt) and enjoy.
6. If using an optional garnish, noted under the ingredients list, add them right before serving.
Kitchen Note: Traditionally Budinos are served with something “floating” on top like an espresso shot. I prefer mine without but by all means, float to your heart’s desire!