Original Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu - The Original Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 12 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of Servings: 10-12

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert loved by many for its delicious combination of creamy textures and intense flavors. It is said that 'tiramisu' means 'pick me up', referring to the energy provided by the coffee in the recipe. Each layer of mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers takes us on an unforgettable journey, and today I will reveal how to prepare this quick and simple dessert that is sure to impress anyone.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of high-quality mascarpone
- 2 packs of ladyfingers (approximately 400 g)
- 8 fresh eggs (it is recommended to use free-range eggs for better taste)
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 cups of strong brewed coffee (make sure it is well concentrated)
- 50 g of dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa), grated
- Cocoa powder (for decoration)
- A drop of vanilla essence or amaretto (optional, for added flavor)

Preparation:

1. Start by brewing the coffee. Use freshly ground coffee for an intense flavor. You can add a splash of vanilla essence or amaretto to the coffee for a more refined aroma. Let it cool slightly.

2. In a large bowl, add the mascarpone and sugar. Use a mixer to beat them together until you obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. It is essential not to overmix to avoid losing the airiness of the cream.

3. Separately, beat the egg whites at high speed until foamy, then gradually add the remaining sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a firm meringue. This step is crucial for giving your dessert a light and airy texture.

4. Gently fold the egg yolks into the mascarpone cream, mixing delicately with a spatula. Then, add the meringue in 2-3 stages, gently folding from the bottom up to preserve the air in the mixture.

5. Now it's time to deal with the ladyfingers. Dip each ladyfinger in the coffee, ensuring they are well soaked but not so much that they become mushy. Place a first layer of ladyfingers in a serving dish.

6. Add a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Continue to alternate layers of ladyfingers and cream until you run out of ingredients, making sure the last layer is mascarpone.

7. Finally, generously sprinkle cocoa powder through a sieve and the grated chocolate on top. This detail not only looks wonderful but also adds a note of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the mascarpone.

8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the tiramisu chill in the fridge for 12 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

9. When it's time to serve, take the dessert out of the fridge and cut it into portions. You can decorate it with a sprinkle of cocoa or some chocolate shavings for a more elegant look.

Useful Tips:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing, to obtain a uniform emulsion.
- If you prefer a less sweet tiramisu, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
- Tiramisu is a dessert that improves with time, so don't hesitate to prepare it a day before serving.
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of coffee essence or liqueur to the coffee if you prefer a more intense taste.

Nutritional Benefits:

Tiramisu contains ingredients that offer nutritional benefits. Mascarpone is high in calcium and protein, while coffee is known for its antioxidants. Although it is a rich dessert, in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Although mascarpone is the key ingredient of tiramisu, you can try other creamy cheeses like cream cheese, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make tiramisu healthier?
You can use natural sweeteners instead of sugar, and instead of ladyfingers, you can use whole grain cookies or even gluten-free cookies if necessary.

3. Is tiramisu suitable for vegans?
There are vegan versions of tiramisu that use tofu or coconut cream instead of mascarpone and almond milk or decaf coffee instead of coffee.

Pairing Tiramisu with Drinks:

To enhance the culinary experience, you can serve tiramisu with an espresso or cappuccino. Additionally, a sweet wine, such as Moscato or a dessert wine, can add a special touch to your meal.

I hope this tiramisu recipe inspires you to create a memorable dessert, full of love and flavor. Whether it is for a special celebration or simply a quiet evening at home, tiramisu will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!