Description
Zabaglione (Zabaione) is a classic Italian wine custard made with egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine, gently cooked over a bain-marie until light and frothy. This authentic creamy dessert is perfect served warm over fruits, panettone, or cookies, or transformed into a mousse with whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Zabaglione Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Marsala wine (or Vin Santo, Moscato d’Asti)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bain-Marie: Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer, ensuring the water does not boil. Set a copper or heatproof glass bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
- Whisk Yolks and Sugar: Off the heat, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together vigorously until the mixture is pale and thick, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Wine and Seasoning: Slowly incorporate the Marsala wine, a pinch of salt, and fresh lemon juice if using, whisking until fully combined.
- Cook Over Gentle Heat: Place the bowl over the simmering water and continuously whisk the mixture for 7 to 10 minutes, until it triples in volume and forms soft peaks. Test readiness by seeing if a trail from the spoon holds for 8 seconds.
- Serve Immediately: Spoon the warm zabaglione over berries, panettone, or cookies. For a mousse variation, let cool slightly, fold in whipped cream, and chill before serving.
Notes
- Use a copper bowl for best texture and stability of the custard.
- Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Experiment with different wines such as Marsala for a classic taste, Vin Santo for a deeper flavor, or Moscato d’Asti for a light and floral note.
- For make-ahead convenience, chill the zabaglione and serve with whipped cream or store in a siphon for dispensing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
