Mango Mascarpone Mousse (Mango Kulfi)

Whenever you are in need for a quick dessert, a little cream, some fruits and a blender is good enough to satisfy your cravings and whip up a luscious dessert. And could you think of any better flavors than Mango and Mascarpone for a Mousse (except chocolate, perhaps!) I bet not, especially if you've ever enjoyed a Mango Kulfi, which is an indian version of mousse, except without eggs. Mousse is one of the easiest desserts to prepare, without compromising on the taste and indulgence factor. Mascarpone, the smooth creamy italian cheese, that's a little on the sweeter side, lends a richness to the mousse, while Mango, saffron and cardamom lend it flavor similar to a Kulfi, so you get the best of both the worlds! Try this Mango Mascarpone Mousse; its heavenly, and I'm sure you are going to get hooked to the taste.

Ingredients
1 egg - separated
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup mango puree
4-5 strands of saffron
1/4 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
1/4 cup mascarpone - at room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream

To make Mango Kulfi instead, replace the egg with 1/4 cup condensed milk, and mix it with the mango puree and mascarpone cheese in Step 2 shown below.

Method
In an electric mixer bowl, whisk the egg yolk and half of the sugar until pale and fluffy.

In a separate bowl, stir the mango puree, cardamom powder and mascarpone until smooth. Fold the yolk mixture into the mango mixture.

Whisk the egg whites until firm peaks form. Add the remaining sugar, a little at a time and continue to whip until glossy. Fold the whites into the mango mixture.

Whip the cream to form soft peaks and add to the mango mixture. Or mix together in a blender on Whip setting till everything is smooth.

Now spoon it into individual moulds of your choice and freeze them overnight.

Cut into slices if you like, or just invert the mousse onto dessert plates. Garnish with some chopped pistachios and saffron strands, and serve immediately (if you wait to take photos, it'll start melting!!:)) I'm sending this over to Mike who's collecting Frozen Treats this summer, and also to Nikki for her Ice-Cream collection!

Tip: You can add the saffron strands and some chopped pistachios in the batter itself, leaving a few for garnish. This gives it a better flavor, color and aroma!

Call it a Mango Mascarpone Mousse or a Mango Kulfi; any way you make it, this is one easy and delicious treat, perfect for summer evenings or a weeknight dessert cravings!

Related Recipes:
Mango Streusel Cake
Mango & Raspberry Thickshake
Mango & Mascarpone Cheese Tart