Nadia Lim: Rhubarb, Raspberry, and Ginger Strudel Braid

A beautifully braided pastry, bursting with tart rhubarb, juicy raspberries and warming ginger, all wrapped in golden puff pastry with a sweet almond crunch.    It’s an eye-catching dessert or morning tea treat that’s easier to make than it looks. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of crème fraîche, or thick yoghurt for a real treat.   Serves 6–8   Prep time: 20 minutes   Cook time: 35 minutes     Ingredients   400g rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 2.5cm pieces   150g fresh raspberries (or frozen)   4–5 Tablespoons sugar, to taste    Zest of 1⁄2 lemon   1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger   1 teaspoon cornflour (to soak up juices)   1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon   1 large sheet puff pastry (about 25–30cm wide x 35–40cm long), kept cold (Note: if you use the Paneton brand, it conveniently comes in this size)   1 free-range egg   1 Tablespoon milk, for brushing   1–2 Tablespoons raw sugar, for sprinkling   small handful sliced or slivered almonds, for topping   TO SERVE: ice cream, crème fraîche, or yoghurt      Method  Preheat oven to 200°C. In a large bowl, gently toss together the rhubarb, raspberries, sugar, lemon zest, grated ginger, cornflour, cinnamon and a pinch of salt.   Lay the cold sheet of puff pastry on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Spoon the fruit mixture lengthwise down the centre of the pastry, leaving a 6–8cm gap at the top and bottom.   To braid the pastry, use a sharp knife to cut diagonal slits about 2.5cmapart on each side of the pastry, leaving a 1–2cm gap on either side of the filling. Starting at the top, fold the pastry strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid pattern. Gently stretch the strips as you braid and tuck the ends underneath to snuggly encase the filling.   Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush the braid with the egg wash. Sprinkle over raw sugar and sliced almonds.    Bake for 35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the filling is bubbling slightly at the seams. Allow to cool for at least 10–15minutes before slicing.   Serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream, crème fraîche, or yoghurt.    LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.