Strawberry foam

Strawberry foam with strawberry syrup – a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1-2 hours
Total time: 1-2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today, I will present a recipe for strawberry foam, a light, refined, and flavorful dish, perfect for impressing family and friends. This recipe brings a touch of spring to each serving and combines the sweetness of strawberries with the airy texture of egg white foam. It is a dessert that not only looks splendid but is also incredibly tasty!

The history of this dessert takes us back to the traditions of European cuisine, where foams were often prepared as fine delicacies served on special occasions. This strawberry foam recipe is a modern and easy-to-make variation that retains the charm of these classic preparations.

Ingredients you will need:

For the foam:
- 5 egg whites (fresh and at room temperature)
- 200 g granulated sugar (preferably fine)
- 250 g ripe strawberries (choose quality, sweet, and aromatic strawberries)
- 2 vanilla pods (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

For the syrup:
- 50 g strawberries (fresh, for purée)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

Preparing the foam:

1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is clean, without any trace of fat. A stainless steel or glass bowl is ideal.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites at medium speed until they become frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix at high speed until the mixture becomes very stiff and glossy. It is important to achieve a well-beaten foam that forms stiff peaks.
3. In another bowl, mash the ripe strawberries with a fork to obtain a coarse purée. If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a little sugar to the strawberry purée, but this depends on the sweetness of the fruit.
4. Add the strawberry purée to the egg white foam, along with the seeds from the vanilla pods or the vanilla extract. Use a whisk to incorporate the mixture, being careful not to lose the air from the foam. Mixing should be very slow, so that the airy texture is maintained.

Dividing and chilling the foam:

5. Distribute the obtained foam into glasses or cups, filling them about ¾ full. This will allow the foam to expand slightly during chilling, keeping its shape.
6. Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. Chilling is essential to achieve a perfect texture, so do not skip this step!

Preparing the strawberry syrup:

7. While the foam is chilling, prepare the strawberry syrup. For this, mash the 50 g of strawberries in a bowl and add the sugar. Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over low heat.
8. Let the syrup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes a delicious syrup. If you want a finer syrup, you can strain it through a sieve to remove the seeds.
9. Once the syrup has cooled, it is ready to be poured over the strawberry foam.

Finishing and serving:

10. After the foam has chilled and has a firm structure, remove the glasses from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the strawberry syrup over each serving of foam, letting it drizzle down the sides.
11. For a special touch, decorate each serving with a few fresh strawberries. These not only add a splash of color but also a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft foam.

Serving suggestions and variations:

This strawberry foam pairs perfectly with a glass of champagne or a sparkling white wine, turning the dessert into a true indulgence experience. You can also add a splash of strawberry or vanilla liqueur to the syrup for an extra flavor boost.

If you want to experiment, you can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to create delicious variations of this dessert. Each fruit brings a unique note of flavor, giving you plenty of options to choose from!

Nutritional values:

This strawberry foam is a lighter choice compared to many other desserts, being a good source of protein due to the egg whites. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them not only delicious but also beneficial for health. Depending on the servings, each portion contains about 150-200 calories, making it a satisfying yet not too heavy dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use pasteurized egg whites?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use pasteurized egg whites, which are available commercially. These are safe for raw consumption.

2. Can I prepare the foam a day in advance?
Yes, the strawberry foam can be prepared a day in advance, but make sure it is well covered in the refrigerator to prevent absorbing odors.

3. What other fruits can I use to make the foam?
Besides strawberries, you can try raspberries, blackberries, or peaches. Make sure the fruits are well ripened and aromatic for the best results.

4. How can I store leftover syrup?
The strawberry syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days. It can also be used to sweeten yogurt or add flavor to other desserts.

Every time you prepare this recipe, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer, bringing a touch of sunshine to each serving. I invite you to experiment, have fun in the kitchen, and share this recipe with your loved ones. Bon appétit!