Indian

Indian Cakes with Orange Cream - An Unmistakable Delight

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will delight your senses, you have found the perfect recipe! Indian cakes, with their fine texture and aromatic orange cream, are an ideal choice for any occasion. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminding you of moments spent around the table with loved ones. Whether you prepare them for an anniversary or simply to indulge yourself, these cakes have all the necessary ingredients to become the stars of your desserts.

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 45 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 cakes

Ingredients:

For the shells:
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 150 ml water
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- Zest of one candied orange

For the cream:
- 250 ml sweetened liquid cream
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 g gelatin
- 40 ml water

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 1 teaspoon of butter

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the shells
The first step is to prepare the delicious shells of the cakes. Start by beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt until a firm foam forms. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy mixture.

Helpful tips: Make sure the bowl and utensils used are completely dry, as any trace of grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

Once you have achieved the foam, sift the flour and gradually add it, along with the egg yolks and lemon zest. Use a spatula to gently fold in the mixture, being careful not to lose the air from the egg whites.

In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, pipe circles with a diameter of about 5 cm. From this amount, you should get 25 pieces, but don’t worry if you “drop” a few along the way. Food is meant to be enjoyed!

Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for about 15 minutes. Check the cakes from the bottom to ensure they are not raw or burnt.

Tip: You can open the oven door in the last 5 minutes to check if they are baked, but do not do it too early to avoid deflating them.

2. Preparing the syrup
Meanwhile, you can prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and boil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, add the rum essence and candied orange zest. Let it cool.

3. Preparing the cream
Hydrate the gelatin in 40 ml of water. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and place them in a double boiler over low heat. Stir vigorously for 5-6 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Remove from heat and add the hydrated gelatin, stirring until it completely dissolves.

Add the candied orange zest, and for an extra flavor, you can add 3 tablespoons of the candied orange syrup. Transfer the bowl to another one with cold water to quickly cool the mixture.

When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, fold it into the well-beaten cream. Mix everything for about 3 minutes until you obtain an airy and delicious cream.

4. Assembling the cakes
Take half of the baked shells and quickly dip them in the prepared syrup. Place them on a platter and, using a piping bag, pipe the cream onto each. Soak the remaining shells and place them on top.

A trick that makes a difference is to let the platter cool for 5 minutes before applying the glaze.

5. Preparing the glaze
For the glaze, melt the dark chocolate together with the cream and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Place a tablespoon of the cooled glaze on each cake, giving them an elegant and appetizing appearance.

Serving and Variations
These Indian cakes are excellent served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can decorate them with slices of candied orange or ground nuts for an extra texture.

For a more exotic version, replace the orange zest with lemon zest or add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the cream for a flavorful taste.

Nutritional Benefits
Each cake offers not only a perfect taste but also essential nutrients. The cream provides calcium, while the eggs are a good source of protein. Citrus zest contributes antioxidants and vitamins, while dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat or almond flour, but the texture will be different.
- How can I store the cakes? They store well in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days.
- Is this recipe vegan? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs and plant-based cream.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy every moment of preparing these Indian cakes and savor the final result. Enjoy your meal!