Helen Goh's rolled pavlova with strawberries and sumac offers a perfect summer dessert, balancing sweet meringue with tart sumac and fresh berries.
Recipe Overview
This classic rolled pavlova is crisp at the edges and marshmallow-soft within, filled with clouds of cream and strawberries. The addition of sumac provides gentle tartness that amplifies berry flavour while balancing sweetness. Lime zest adds brightness, making the dessert unmistakably summery.
Ingredients
For the meringue: 250g egg whites (from 6 large eggs), at room temperature; ½ tsp cream of tartar; 370g caster sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp cornflour. For the filling: 700g strawberries (500g hulled and thinly sliced, rest whole or halved for decorating); 1 tbsp sumac plus ½ tsp extra; finely grated zest of 1 large lime plus extra; 300ml double cream; 100g mascarpone; 2 tbsp icing sugar; 1 tsp vanilla essence; 40g pistachios, roughly chopped.
Preparation Steps
Line a 25cm x 38cm rimmed baking tray with baking paper, leaving overhang. Heat oven to 200C (180C fan)/390F/gas 6. Beat egg whites on medium-high until foamy, add cream of tartar, whisk to soft peaks. Add sugar one tablespoon at a time, then whisk on high for 8-10 minutes until thick and glossy. Fold in cornflour and vanilla. Spread meringue evenly on tray, tap to remove air bubbles. Bake at 180C (160C fan)/350F/gas 4 for 25 minutes until pale beige. Cool completely.
Filling and Assembly
Toss sliced strawberries with 1 tbsp sumac and lime zest; macerate 10-15 minutes. Whisk cream, mascarpone, icing sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks. Invert cooled meringue onto a tea towel, peel off paper. Spread three-quarters of cream over meringue, leaving a 2cm border on one long edge. Spoon strawberries and half the pistachios over cream. Roll into a log using the tea towel. Transfer to serving plate. Pipe or spoon remaining cream on top, decorate with extra strawberries, remaining sumac, pistachios, and lime zest.
According to the recipe, the pavlova serves 8-10 people and requires 15 minutes prep and 1 hour 10 minutes cooking time.
