There's no way to describe Italian Zabaione but to say that it is a light foamy dessert with a hint of liquor that's not overly sweet. Also referred to as Zabaglione in the English language.
Zabaione is perfect as a dessert for two on special occasions like Valentine's Day or a romantic dinner for two.
Searching for other desserts to try? How about my Authentic Italian Tiramisu recipe, Ultimate Rum Cake, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Puff Pastry Rolls or my Nutella Puff Pastry Turnovers.
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Here's Why You'll Love this Dish
- easy to make
- customize the number of servings
- use your preferred liquor
- comforting texture
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Ingredients
This zabaione comes together with less than 5 ingredients including strawberries, sugar, egg yolks and marsala wine.
For exact measurement details see recipe card...
How to Make Italian Zabaione with Marsala Wine
Wash and clean your strawberries.
Combine chopped strawberries in a bowl with 1 tsp of sugar and mix. Place half in a serving glass and the other in another glass.
Prepare a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, place your bowl on top of a pot filled with 2 inches of water.
Place eggs yolks in a glass or stainless steel bowl and use a whisk to break the yolks and mix them a little bit. Add liquor and 3 tbsp of sugar.
Place the bowl on top of a double boiler and begin to continuously whisk until the consistency of the egg holds soft peaks, is smooth and turns a little brighter in color. About 8 to 10 minutes. Use an oven mitt to hold the bowl as you whisk.
Once the egg mixture reaches a consistency you like, take the bowl and set it on top of ice that's in another bowl for about 5 minutes.
Spoon the zabaione in the glasses filled with chopped strawberries ensuring you divide the portions equally.
Serve with half a ladyfinger wedged in the middle.
Storage:
Top Tips
If you don't have a double boiler, place your bowl on top of a pot filled with 2 inches of water.
You can also serve the zabaione warm immediately once it is ready.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some ideas on how to change up your zabaione:
- Liquor - instead of ice berg lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce or spinach
- Cocoa - use gluten free buns instead of white bread buns to make this gluten free
- Spices - the beef hamburger can be replaced with a plant-based burger to make this vegetarian
- Topping
- Caramelize
The perfect recipe isn't that far away. I'd love to know how you substituted ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Drop a comment below and let me know!
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, zabaglione has alcohol. It is usually made with Marsala wine, but it can be made with any sweet liquor.
Zabaglione has a unique light texture. It mostly takes on the flavor of the liquor you use. It is like a very light custard that is frothy.
Zabaglione is eaten chilled. However it can also be eaten served warm as soon as it is prepared.
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Recipe Details
Italian Zabaione Recipe
https://easyhomemaderecipes.caEquipment
- pot holder or oven mits
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped strawberries in a bowl with 1 tsp of sugar and mix. Place half in a serving glass and the other in another glass.
- Place eggs yolks in a glass or stainless steel bowl and use a whisk to break the yolks and mix them a little bit. Add liquor and 3 tbsp of sugar.
- Place the bowl on top of a double boiler and begin to continuously whisk until the consistency of the egg holds soft peaks, is smooth and turns a little brighter in color. About 8 to 10 minutes. Use an oven mitt to hold the bowl as you whisk.
- Once the egg mixture reaches a consistency you like, take the bowl and set it on top of ice that's in another bowl for about 5 minutes. Spoon the zabaione in the glasses filled with chopped strawberries ensuring you divide the portions equally. Serve with half a ladyfinger wedged in the middle.
Notes
Top Tips
If you don't have a double boiler, place your bowl on top of a pot filled with 2 inches of water. You can also serve the zabaione warm immediately once it is ready.Nutrition
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Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Lidia says
This was very a very rich dessert. Next time, i'm going to add a little bit of chocolate and use baileys.
AmyG says
Glad you liked it! Sounds great, I'd love to know how it turns out.