Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House
Do you think that woman really means to make us a soufflé? Here is certainly a soufflé dish, and eggs and cheese—”
“It’s a nice kitchen,” Eleanor said. “In my mother’s house the kitchen was dark and narrow, and nothing you cooked there ever had any taste or color.”
“What about your own kitchen?” Theodora asked absently. “In your little apartment? Eleanor, look at the doors.”
“I can’t make a soufflé,” Eleanor said.
Soufflé
Learn how to make a delicious and impressive soufflé with this straightforward recipe. A soufflé is a light, fluffy, and decadent dish that can be sweet or savory. Follow these simple steps to create a perfect soufflé every time.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs separated
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for sweet soufflé or 1/4 cup of grated cheese (for savory soufflé)
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of butter for greasing
- Pinch of salt for sweet soufflé or a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper (for savory soufflé)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position.
Prepare the Ramekins:
- Grease the insides of your ramekins with butter to prevent the soufflé from sticking.
- Mix the Egg Yolks and Flavoring (sweet or savory):
- In a medium bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar (for sweet soufflé) or grated cheese (for savory soufflé) until well combined.
Add Milk:
- Stir in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
Whip Egg Whites:
- In a separate, clean, and dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Add a pinch of salt (for sweet soufflé) or a pinch of salt and pepper (for savory soufflé) to the egg whites and gently fold it in.
Combine Mixtures:
- Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites until fully combined.
Fill Ramekins:
- Carefully spoon the soufflé mixture into the greased ramekins, filling them almost to the top.
Bake:
- Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes for sweet soufflé or 18-20 minutes for savory soufflé until they have puffed up and are lightly golden on top.
Serve Immediately:
- Soufflés are best enjoyed right out of the oven, as they may deflate over time. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
This easy soufflé recipe allows you to create a delightful, airy, and flavorful dish in no time. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory option, follow these simple steps for a foolproof soufflé that’s sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy your homemade soufflé while it’s still warm and at its fluffiest!