Nigella Chilled Caramelised Oranges With Greek Yoghurt Recipe [GUIDE]

If you’ve ever stumbled across Nigella Lawson’s recipes, you know she has this magical way of transforming simple ingredients into something both comforting and elegant. Chilled Caramelised Oranges with Greek Yoghurt is one of those recipes that feels like a little luxury but without the hassle. It’s the kind of dessert that feels effortlessly sophisticated and yet, you could easily whip it up on a weeknight for a sweet treat that feels special.

Imagine the sweetness of juicy, caramelised oranges-slightly charred at the edges, adding a warm, smoky flavor-paired with the creamy tang of thick, velvety Greek yogurt. It’s the perfect balance of fresh and indulgent, with a touch of contrast between the citrusy tartness and the smoothness of the yogurt. The chill factor? That’s a total game changer. It’s like the dessert you make when you’re feeling like indulging but you want to keep it cool, refreshing and a little bit lighter.

Now, why is this dish so captivating? It’s simple, yet elegant. perfect for those moments when you want to impress someone (or just impress yourself) with minimal effort. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser too, with that sweet-sour combo making it feel like a sophisticated twist on a classic fruit salad but with way more style.

Nigella Chilled Caramelised Oranges With Greek Yoghurt Recipe

Ingredients Needed

You don’t need a massive shopping list here which is exactly why I love this dessert. The ingredients are pretty straightforward, so you can probably already find most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 oranges: You’ll want these to be nice and juicy. Blood oranges are a beautiful option if you can find them. they have that vibrant color and a slightly more complex flavor but any good, juicy orange will work wonders.
• 100g of sugar: This is the key to making that gorgeous caramelised edge. The sugar will melt and form this lovely, rich caramel that coats the orange slices.
• 2 tablespoons of water: To help dissolve the sugar and make a smooth caramel without burning it.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Because vanilla is like the unsung hero in so many desserts. It adds this warm, aromatic backdrop to the fruit’s brightness.
• Greek yogurt: About 200g. The creaminess of Greek yogurt is perfect for this dessert because it’s rich and tangy. Make sure it’s full-fat for that luxurious texture.
• Honey or maple syrup (optional): This is optional but sometimes I like to drizzle a little extra sweetness over the yogurt or even the oranges. It’s the little touch that makes it just that bit more decadent.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here but there are a few bits that’ll make this process smoother. If you’re like me, you’ll also appreciate the simplicity of a one-pot dessert.

• A frying pan or skillet: This is where the magic happens. You’ll be caramelising the oranges in this, so a good, non-stick frying pan is ideal to prevent the sugar from sticking.
• Sharp knife: For slicing your oranges. The thinner, the better (though not paper-thin) as you want the sugar to coat them evenly.
• Serving bowls or glasses: Nigella often serves her dishes in these gorgeous little bowls or glasses to give it that “wow” factor. You can use anything really but something transparent would highlight the layers beautifully.

Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Chilled Caramelised Oranges With Greek Yoghurt

So, here’s how you bring this whole thing together. The best part? It’s almost foolproof.

1. Prepare the Oranges: Start by peeling your oranges and then slice them into rounds. Try to make the slices about 1/4-inch thick, not too thin but enough to hold their shape when you caramelise them. You can also slice off any extra pith to avoid any bitterness.
2. Make the Caramel: Place your frying pan over a medium heat. Add the sugar and water. As it heats up, the sugar will begin to melt and you’ll want to keep an eye on it, swirling occasionally to ensure it melts evenly. Be patient-this should take about 4-5 minutes. When the sugar turns a lovely amber color (don’t let it get too dark or it will taste bitter!), you’re ready to go.
3. Caramelise the Oranges: Add the orange slices to the pan, arranging them in a single layer. The sugar should start to bubble around them and they’ll begin to soften slightly. Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The caramel should be sticky and cling to the oranges, giving them a gorgeous sheen.
4. Add Vanilla: Once your oranges are beautifully caramelised, splash in the vanilla extract. This will add another layer of flavor and help lift the sweetness.
5. Chill and Assemble: Allow the caramelised oranges to cool down. Refrigerate them for at least an hour (this is a must if you want that chilled, refreshing feel).
6. Serve: Spoon generous dollops of Greek yogurt into serving bowls or glasses. Top with your chilled, caramelised oranges, drizzling a bit of the leftover caramel sauce from the pan on top. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

What I Learnt

I think one of the most interesting things I learned from making Nigella’s Chilled Caramelised Oranges with Greek Yoghurt is the power of simplicity. We tend to think that the best desserts need to be complicated or involve a million ingredients but this dish proves otherwise. It’s a few basic ingredients, done right and the result is just stunning. The caramelisation process while sounding a bit intimidating at first, really isn’t that difficult. It’s all about patience and just keeping an eye on the sugar.

And then there’s the contrast between the warm, caramelised oranges and the cool, creamy yogurt. It’s a beautiful example of how opposites can balance each other out. I loved how, even though it’s a relatively light dessert, it still feels indulgent. It makes me rethink what "simple" desserts can be.

FAQs

How Do I Make Nigella Lawson’s Caramelised Oranges For This Recipe?

To make the caramelised oranges, you’ll need to slice them into rounds and then gently cook them in a hot, sticky caramel made from sugar, butter, and orange juice. The heat of the caramel gives the oranges a gorgeous golden hue and deepens their flavor, making them slightly syrupy, which perfectly contrasts the tangy Greek yogurt.

Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt With Another Type Of Yogurt For This Recipe?

While Greek yogurt is the star of this dish with its rich and creamy texture, you can substitute it with a thick plain yogurt or even a coconut yogurt if you’re after a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that it might alter the overall flavor, but it can still be delicious!

How Far In Advance Can I Prepare Nigella’s Caramelised Oranges With Greek Yogurt?

You can prepare the caramelised oranges ahead of time-just let them cool, then chill in the fridge for up to a day before serving. The yogurt can also be prepped in advance. Just layer the yogurt and the caramelised oranges when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a lovely chilled dessert waiting for you!