Small cream-filled pastries, known as “Bigne” or Italian profiteroles, have gained immense popularity in Italy. These delectable treats are often served with hot chocolate sauce, creating a delightful contrast of hot and cold sensations.
If you’re craving for a sweet and light dessert, try our Italian menu’s profiteroles. It’s the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth this summer.
History of profiteroles: Italian or French?
Profiteroles can trace their roots back to the Renaissance period in Italy, where pastry chefs were eager to explore new recipes. Although, the name “profiterole” actually comes from the French word “profit,” meaning benefit or profit, referring to the small size of the dough. Initially, they were known as “pâte à chaud” or “hot pastry.”
Popelini, an Italian chef, introduced this gourmet dessert to the French court during the reign of Henry II and Catherine de Medici of France. Catherine de Medici played a significant role in the evolution of French cuisine, and her influence contributed to the development of modern French cuisine.
Her legacy was secured by introducing Italian chefs to France, driven by her conviction that French cuisine lacked finesse.
The French have transformed profiteroles into the beloved dessert we know and love today by adding cream and chocolate sauce. Due to its ease of preparation, delicious taste, and visually appealing presentation, the dessert swiftly became popular in France. Therefore, it is evident that profiteroles have become a fundamental aspect of French cuisine.
The Italian recipe
A traditional dessert, profiteroles consist of choux pastry filled with whipped cream or pastry cream, and drizzled with chocolate sauce.
What is choux pastry?
Choux pastry is a light, airy dough that is used to make delicious desserts like profiteroles. To prepare choux pastry, you’ll need to start by boiling water and butter in a saucepan. Once it has come to a boil, add flour and stir vigorously until the dough is smooth.
Next, let it cool before adding eggs until the dough becomes smooth and shiny. Finally, bake the profiteroles until they are crispy and well-browned on the outside and hollow on the inside.
The filling
Once cooled, these delightful pastries are filled with a generous helping of whipped cream and topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce. With the perfect balance of sweet cream and bitter chocolate, these profiteroles offer an explosion of flavor that your taste buds will adore.
Celebrate World Profiterol Day
People are naturally drawn to celebrations, big or small, and even the little profiterole has its own special day. Every January 2, we celebrate this delightful cream and chocolate snack. Why not come to Rossini and try our exquisite selection? We are waiting for you!
Book a table
We are waiting for you at the best Italian restaurant in Barcelona, at Plaza Real 13.
