Pineapple souffle with Thai curry ice cream

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the galangal, lemon grass, lime leaves, turmeric, ginger, chili and cilantro and process until pureed. Alternatively, pound the ingredients, one at a time, in a mortar and pestle and then mash together to form a coarse curry paste.

In a medium, nonreactive saucepan, combine the curry paste with the heavy cream and milk and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.

While the milk comes to a simmer, whisk together the yolks and sugar in a medium bowl.

Whisk 1 cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolks to warm them, then add the egg yolks to the simmering milk.

Stirring frequently, heat the mixture just until it thickens to a custard.

Strain the custard into a bowl set over a bowl of ice water; stir until custard cools completely.

Freeze in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This makes 5 cups of ice cream, more than is needed for the souffle recipe.

Peel and core the pineapple, then chop it into large pieces. Puree the pieces in a blender until smooth.

Place the puree in a strainer lined with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Gather up the cheesecloth and gently squeeze, draining the juice until you have 1 1/2 cups puree remaining. (Save the juice for another use.)

In a shallow, heavy-bottom saucepan, stir together the sugar with 1 tablespoon water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar melts and caramelizes, 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in the pineapple puree and cook stirring frequently, until the pineapple has cooked down and is golden in color, about 15 minutes. When you first stir in the puree with the sugar, the sugar will harden temporarily; it will re-melt and incorporate with the pineapple as the pineapple cooks down. Remove from the heat to a small bowl to cool, then cover and refrigerate until needed. You should have three-fourths cup pineapple, slightly more than is needed for the souffle.

In a medium, heavy-bottom saucepan, bring the milk, vanilla pod and seeds to a fast simmer over high heat.

While the milk warms, combine the sugar, flour and butter in a medium bowl; rub together with your fingers to form a crumble.

Remove the vanilla pod from the simmering milk and stir in the crumble. Cook, making sure to stir the sides and bottom to prevent burning, until the mix forms a paste and begins to ball up. Continue cooking until you see a thin, dry film on the bottom of the pan, about 6 minutes.

Put the mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer) and, with the mixer running, whisk in the egg yolks, one at a time, until incorporated. Continue to whisk the mixture until the souffle base has cooled to room temperature. Set aside, or cover and refrigerate until needed.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the coconut with two-thirds cup sugar. Lightly butter the sides of each of 12 (4-ounce) ramekins, then dust with the coconut-sugar mixture.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl if using a hand mixer, whisk the egg whites and remaining two-thirds cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar to medium peaks.

In a separate large bowl set over a pan of simmering water, whisk together the souffle base and pineapple reduction until warm. Remove from heat; stir in the lemon juice until combined.

Fold the egg whites in gently. Bake until puffed and light-golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

Top each souffle with a small scoop of ice cream. Serve immediately.