Profiterole & Pistachio Ice Cream

Pistachio Ice Cream Profiterole: An Unforgettable Delight

When it comes to desserts, few can rival the refinement and elegance of profiteroles. This small sweet appetizer, filled with a fine cream and covered with a delicious chocolate sauce, has its roots in a rich culinary tradition. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing this sophisticated dessert that can impress even the most discerning palates. Additionally, we will combine the profiterole with pistachio ice cream, offering you an explosion of flavors and textures.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the dough
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of flour
- 125 g butter
- A pinch of salt

For the cream
- 500 mL milk
- 4-5 tablespoons of flour
- 3 eggs
- 75 g butter
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 200 mL whipped cream
- 20 mL vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

For the chocolate sauce
- 150 g chocolate (combine milk chocolate and dark chocolate for a complex flavor)
- 200 mL liquid cream
- 50 mL milk

For decoration
- Pistachio ice cream (or vanilla, if you prefer)
- Pistachios and nuts for decoration

Step by Step: Preparing the Profiteroles

1. Preparing the dough:
In a saucepan, add the 2 cups of water, butter, and salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the 2 cups of flour. Using a whisk, mix vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the saucepan. Let it cool slightly.

2. Adding the eggs:
Once the dough has cooled, start adding the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. It is essential that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.

3. Forming the balls:
Here you have two options:
- Piping method: Place the dough in a sturdy bag, cut a corner, and form mounds of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.
- Manual method: Oil your hands and shape the balls directly by hand, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Choose the option you like best!

4. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Here is an important tip: do not open the oven door in the first 15-20 minutes to allow the balls to rise evenly.

5. Cooling and filling:
Once the balls are golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. When completely cool, gently cut the top of each ball, but not all the way through, so they can be filled with cream.

Preparing the Delicious Cream

1. Mixing the ingredients:
In a bowl, mix the eggs, milk, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

2. Cooking the cream:
Place the mixture over a double boiler or on low heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the cream thickens and reaches the consistency of sour cream. Once you have the desired texture, add the butter and vanilla extract, mixing well.

3. Incorporating the whipped cream:
Let the cream cool, then gently fold in the whipped cream, mixing lightly to retain the air bubbles. This will give the cream a light and airy texture.

4. Filling the profiteroles:
Place the cream in a pastry bag and fill each profiterole ball.

Chocolate Sauce: A Perfect Finish

1. Melting the chocolate:
In a heatproof bowl, add the finely chopped chocolate. Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning.

2. Making the sauce:
Once melted, gradually add the liquid cream, stirring continuously. Finally, add the milk to achieve a more fluid consistency, perfect for drizzling over the profiteroles.

Serving

Place the filled profiteroles on a platter and drizzle them with chocolate sauce. At the time of serving, add a few profiterole balls alongside 2-3 scoops of pistachio ice cream. This contrast of temperatures and textures will make your dessert an unforgettable experience.

Chef's Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a little almond extract to the vanilla cream or experiment with different ice cream flavors. Additionally, the pistachios or nuts for decoration add a pleasant crunch that perfectly complements each bite.

Nutritional Information and Calories

It is important to be aware that this dessert, while absolutely delicious, can be high in calories. A serving of profiterole with pistachio ice cream contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By consuming in moderation, you can enjoy this delicacy without worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

2. How can I store profiteroles?
It is best to consume them fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

3. Can I freeze profiteroles?
Yes, but the cream filling may alter the texture. It is best to freeze them plain and fill them before serving.

Conclusion

Making profiteroles with pistachio ice cream is a true culinary art. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will create a dessert that will surely impress. So, get ready to be inspired by the sweet flavors and creamy texture of this delicacy. Enjoy!