Classic Affogato Recipe

2022-11-08

By The Italian Chef

Italian Cuisine

Dessert

Affogato is an Italian dessert that originated in the country's northern regions, specifically in the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, and Veneto.  You won't regret trying our irresistible Affogato recipe.

What is Affogato?

The word "affogato" means "drowned" in Italian, which refers to the act of pouring a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream. The resulting dessert is a combination of hot, bitter espresso and rich, creamy gelato. This Affogato recipe is made with a shot of espresso poured over vanilla gelato, topped with chocolate shavings.

Pitfalls on Affogato

 Choosing the right coffee: Affogato is made with freshly brewed espresso. It's important to choose high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing for the freshest flavor.

 Temperature control: The secret to a great affogato is the temperature differences between the hot espresso and the cold ice cream. Be sure not to let the espresso cool down too much, or it may not melt the ice cream evenly.

 Quality of the ice cream: Use a high-quality vanilla ice cream with a creamy texture that will meld well with the espresso. It's important that it's not too hard, or it may not evenly melt when the espresso is poured over it.

 Timing is everything: Quickly serve the affogato after adding the espresso or it will begin to separate. You want the ice cream and espresso to fully meld together for a perfect balance of flavors.

 Consistency: You want a balance between the melting ice cream and the warm espresso in every bite, so it's important to get the right ratio. Typically one to two ounces of espresso to a scoop or two of ice cream is a good place to start.

 Alternatives: You can experiment with different flavors of ice cream such as caramel, chocolate, or even pumpkin spice to switch up the affogato. Another twist is to try different liquors, such as a splash of amaretto or hazelnut liqueur to the espresso before pouring over the ice cream.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preparation Time 5 min

Cook Time 0 min

Total time 5 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 150

Fat: 5 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 20 g

Protein: 2 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Affogato

Piedmont, they may use hazelnut gelato, espresso, and some gianduja chocolate sauce for the topping, and may add a dollop of whipped cream for a rich and nutty flavor. This variation is commonly known as "Affogato al Cioccolato."

Tuscany, they may use some Vin Santo wine, vanilla gelato, and some cantucci biscuits for the topping, and may sprinkle some cinnamon powder on top for a warm and comforting taste. This variation is commonly known as "Affogato al Vin Santo."

Sicily, they may use some almond gelato, espresso, and some amaretto liqueur for the topping, and may garnish it with some crushed amaretti cookies for a sweet and nutty flavor. This variation is commonly known as "Affogato al Gianduia Siciliano."

Sardinia, they may use some Myrtle liqueur, vanilla gelato, and some caramel sauce for the topping, and may sprinkle some grated lemon peel on top for a fresh and zesty taste. This variation is commonly known as "Affogato alla Sardegna."

Campania, they may use some Limoncello liqueur, lemon gelato, and some candied lemon peel for the topping, and may add a drizzle of honey for a bright and citrusy flavor. This variation is commonly known as "Affogato al Limoncello."

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