Vanilla pods: how to use them?

Popular in almost every country, vanilla beans are a highly coveted commodity.

One thing is certain, we will never stop praising the merits of the vanilla bean. Not only does this ingredient flavor your savory and sweet dishes, but it is also full of benefits for the body. What more could you ask for?

In our previous articles we advised you on the best vanilla pods and how to recycle them so as not to lose the scents, this month we tell you how to use them.

In addition, we have found a recipe based on this quality ingredient that we are going to share with you.

How to use a vanilla pod?

The use of the vanilla bean basically depends on the recipe you have. Indeed, some preparations require a whole pod, others only the seeds.

If you have to collect the seeds and add them to your device, you must split the pod with a clean knife.

Sambavanilla gives you some indications to proceed:

● To split your vanilla pod, place it on a clean and preferably dry cutting board.

● Position the pod vertically with its folded end facing upwards. Hold it by placing your index finger on it.

● Using the smooth side of your blade, flatten the pod against the board. This will help you split it more easily.

● Place the tip of your blade at the top and in the middle of the pod. Then cut it along its entire length following a straight line.

● The seeds are concentrated in the heart of the pod, you must make sure to split it in the middle in order to recover the maximum. Work slowly and reposition your blade as you go if needed.

A recipe for using the vanilla pod well

Now that you know how to use your vanilla pod, we offer you a recipe to put this technique into practice.

In addition, with Valentine's Day approaching, you can concoct a delicious homemade dessert for your Valentine!

Recipe: Torment of Love

INGREDIENTS :

● 100 g of flour

● 100 g cane sugar

● 3 eggs

● 1 pinch of salt

● 1 pinch of cinnamon

● 1 vanilla pod or vanilla extract

● lime zest

● Jam of guavas, bananas, passion fruit...

● 250 g of flour

● 125 g soft butter

● 1 pinch of salt

● A tablespoon of water

PREPARATIONS:

● Shortcrust pastry: Mix the flour with the salted butter. Add a little water to form your dough and get a good consistency. Reserve your dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or prepare it the day before).

● The sponge cake: Beat the whole eggs with the sugar and the different flavorings (mix for about 5 minutes). The mixture should double in volume and become frothy. Finish by gently incorporating the flour and the pinch of salt.

● Torment d'amour: Roll out your shortcrust pastry on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Cut out circles of dough in the shape of your tartlet moulds. Arrange the circles of dough in your molds and prick the bottom with a fork. Choose the jam of your choice: bananas, guavas, maracuja,... then place several spoonfuls in the bottom of your tartlets. Cover with a little sponge cake.

● Bake your torments of love at 180° for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. They should come out golden brown on top.

Source: www.lacourdorgeres.com

Buy your vanilla pods at Sambavanilla!

Need to get quality vanilla pods? Come take a look at our online grocery store! Sambavanilla offers a selection of premium and gourmet vanilla from Madagascar.

Over time, we have established bonds of trust with producers chosen rigorously according to their ancestral manufacturing method and the quality of their products. The latter grow the vanilla pods themselves. Some artisans have been working with us for several years now.

For more information, do not hesitate to consult our website or contact us by phone at 07 87 61 48 41.