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Lime Custards With Lychees

Lime custards set in a glass with lychees.
Photo by Alex Lau

Making these sweet-tart wonders might be easier than remembering to buy ice cream.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

2

limes, zest removed in wide strips, plus finely grated zest for serving

Pinch of kosher salt

1

/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

2

1/2 cups heavy cream, divided

1

/3 cup fresh lime juice

1

(15-ounce) can lychees, drained

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring wide strips of lime zest, salt, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 cups cream to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, swirling pan occasionally and being careful not to let mixture boil over, until cream is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring glass; divide among 4 small glasses, bowls, or 8-oz. ramekins. Chill until custards are no longer warm, about 30 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and continue to chill until set, at least 2 hours.

    Step 2

    Just before serving, whisk remaining 1/2 cup cream in a small bowl to soft peaks; whisk in remaining 1 Tbsp. sugar.

    Step 3

    Top each custard with dollops of cream, a few lychees (you may have a few left over), and some finely grated lime zest.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 4

    Custards can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.