Kitchen Recipe Collection
Italian Zabaione (Sabayon)
A wildly frothy, warm custard made by vigorously whisking egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine over a double boiler until it becomes a light, boozy cloud.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- medium
- Cuisine
- italian
Ingredients
Scaled for 4 servings
- egg yolks (very fresh)
- granulated sugar
- Marsala wine (sweet or dry), or Moscato d'Asti
- fresh berries or biscotti (for serving)
Equipment
- Copper or glass bowl
- Balloon whisk
- Saucepan (for double boiler)
Instructions
- 1
The Ratio
The traditional ratio is easy to remember: 1 egg yolk : 1 tablespoon sugar : 1 half-eggshell of Marsala wine.
- 2
Set up Double Boiler
Bring a small amount of water to a bare simmer in a saucepan. The bowl containing the ingredients must NOT touch the water.
- 3
Combine Base
In your heatproof bowl (copper is traditional), whisk the egg yolks and sugar together vigorously until pale yellow.
- 4
Add Wine
Whisk in the Marsala wine.
- 5
Apply Heat
Place the bowl over the simmering water.
- 6
Whisk Vigorously
Whisk constantly and vigorously in a figure-eight motion. You are whipping air into the eggs as they gently cook.
- 7
Watch the Texture
The mixture will expand drastically, becoming a thick, pale, incredibly frothy foam. This takes about 5-8 minutes.
- 8
Check Doneness
It is ready when the whisk leaves ribbons or a visible trail in the foam, and it reaches about 160°F (71°C). Do not scramble the eggs.
- 9
Remove from Heat
Remove the bowl from the heat immediately.
- 10
Serve
Pour the warm Zabaione into glass coupes. Serve immediately with fresh strawberries or crunchy biscotti for dipping.
Cooking Tips
- You must whisk continuously; if you stop, the eggs on the bottom will scramble.
- Marsala is traditional, but Moscato d'Asti or Vin Santo make excellent, slightly less intense variations.
Variations
- Cold Zabaione: Once whipped, chill it and fold in whipped cream. This is often used as a gelato flavor or cake filling.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- Historically served to newlyweds as an 'energy booster' due to the raw eggs, sugar, and alcohol.
Nutrition Estimate
210 calories · 4g protein · 18g carbs · 8g fat · 0g fiber per serving
