Simple and quick ladyfingers

Simple and Quick Ladyfingers

If you are looking for a quick, simple, and delicious dessert recipe, ladyfingers are the perfect choice. These delicate and slightly crispy cookies are ideal for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or as a base for other desserts like tiramisu or mousses. The history of ladyfingers takes us back in time when they were used as food for travelers due to their durability and ease of transport. Today, they are appreciated for their airy texture and sweet taste, bringing a touch of joy to any meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 30-32 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 24 ladyfingers

Ingredients:

- 6 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar
- 300 g flour
- 100 g powdered sugar (for decoration)

Necessary tools:

- An electric mixer or a whisk
- A silicone spatula
- A baking tray
- Parchment paper
- A piping bag with a small nozzle

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Separating the Eggs: Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as they will not whip well. Use clean bowls for each.

2. Beating the Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until they start to form foam. Then, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is crucial for obtaining airy ladyfingers.

3. Homogenizing the Yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks until creamy and light yellow. Add them over the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a silicone spatula in an upward motion to avoid losing air from the mixture.

4. Incorporating the Flour: Sift the flour over the egg mixture in a rain-like manner, continuing to mix gently to avoid lumps. The flour should be fully incorporated, but do not over-mix, or the ladyfingers will not have the desired texture.

5. Shaping the Ladyfingers: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare the baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Use the piping bag to form strips of dough on the paper, ensuring to leave enough space between them as they will puff up slightly during baking.

6. Decorating with Powdered Sugar: Once you have shaped the ladyfingers, sprinkle powdered sugar over them. This not only gives them a nice appearance but also helps form a delicate crust.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the ladyfingers for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden. It is important to keep an eye on them, as each oven bakes differently. The ladyfingers are ready when they are slightly browned at the edges and soft in the center.

8. Cooling: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the ladyfingers cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the paper, as they come off easily when warm.

Serving Suggestions:

Simple and quick ladyfingers are delicious on their own, but you can also use them as a base for more elaborate desserts. I recommend serving them with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee, but for a truly decadent experience, try soaking them in coffee and using them in tiramisu.

Possible Variations:

- Adding Flavors: You can experiment with flavors by adding a little vanilla extract or lemon zest to the mixture for an extra kick.
- Nutrition: These ladyfingers contain protein from the eggs and carbohydrates from the flour, providing an energizing snack, but they are high in sugar, so consume them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Why isn’t the foam forming in the egg whites? Ensure that the bowls and utensils used are completely clean, and the egg whites contain no fat.
- How can I store the ladyfingers? You can store the ladyfingers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer shelf life, you can freeze them.

Nutritional Information:

One serving of ladyfingers contains approximately 100 calories, depending on size and the amount of sugar used. They provide a quick source of energy but should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Thus, simple and quick ladyfingers are not only easy to prepare but also add a touch of elegance to any meal. Experiment with various variations and find the combination that delights you the most!