Zabaglione
Italian Egg Custard
A classic Italian dessert, Zabaglione is a warm, frothy custard made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and Marsala wine over a bain-marie. It's light, airy, and delicately sweet, perfect served with fresh berries.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 Egg yolks(Ensure they are fresh and at room temperature.)
- 60 g Granulated sugar(Adjust to your sweetness preference.)
- 120 ml Marsala wine(Sweet Marsala is traditional, but dry can also be used for a less sweet custard. Ensure it's a good quality wine.)
- 200 g Fresh berries(A mix of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or other seasonal berries. For serving.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare a bain-marie: Fill a saucepan with about 2-3 cm (1 inch) of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. The water should not touch the bottom of the bowl you'll use for whisking.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
In a heatproof bowl (preferably stainless steel or glass), whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened, resembling ribbons when the whisk is lifted. This process incorporates air and dissolves the sugar.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Place the bowl containing the egg yolk and sugar mixture over the simmering water (bain-marie). Ensure the bowl is stable and the water is not boiling vigorously. Begin whisking the mixture constantly. Gradually pour in the Marsala wine while continuing to whisk.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Continue whisking the mixture constantly and vigorously over the bain-marie. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl frequently to prevent scrambling the eggs. The mixture will gradually thicken and become frothy. This process can take about 10-12 minutes. The zabaglione is ready when it has a thick, foamy consistency, holds soft peaks, and has increased significantly in volume. A good indicator is when you can draw a line through the mixture with your finger, and it holds its shape for a few seconds.
⏱️ 12 minutes - 5
Remove the bowl from the heat immediately once the desired consistency is reached. The zabaglione should be warm and airy. Serve immediately in individual glasses or small bowls. Top generously with fresh berries.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Constant whisking is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling and to achieve a light, airy texture.
- ✓Do not let the water in the bain-marie boil vigorously; a gentle simmer is sufficient to cook the eggs without overheating.
- ✓The zabaglione is best served immediately after preparation while it is warm and frothy.
- ✓If the mixture seems too thin, continue whisking over the heat for a few more minutes. If it seems too thick, you can whisk in a tablespoon of warm water or Marsala.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Cold Zabaglione: Chill the zabaglione in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for a refreshing dessert.
- With Different Wines: Experiment with other fortified wines like Port or Sherry, or even sweet dessert wines like Vin Santo.
- With Citrus Zest: Add the zest of half a lemon or orange to the egg yolk and sugar mixture for a fragrant twist.