Nigella Profiteroles

Delving into the world of profiteroles, we explore a recipe that combines the elegance of French pastry with the indulgence of chocolate. The following blog post is inspired by a profiteroles recipe with hot chocolate sauce, attributed to the culinary prowess of Nigella Lawson, and an alternative approach by Thanh from Eat, Little Bird, showcasing the versatility and global appeal of this dessert.

Profiteroles, a staple in French cuisine, are small, round pastries filled with cream and often topped with chocolate sauce. This particular recipe offers a glimpse into the simplicity behind the seemingly complex pastry, revealing that making profiteroles is accessible to home bakers.

Ingredients for the Profiteroles

• For the Choux Pastry:
  • 75g unsalted butter, cubed
  • 175ml water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 100g plain flour
  • 4 eggs
• For the Hot Chocolate Sauce:
  • 200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 125ml double cream
  • 20ml chocolate liqueur (optional)
• For the Filling:
  • 150ml cream, whipped

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat your oven as specified and prepare your baking sheets.
2. The choux pastry begins with melting butter with water and salt, then adding flour and eggs in stages to form a smooth dough.
3. Once the dough is ready, it's piped onto baking sheets and baked until golden.
4. For the filling, whipped cream is prepared and piped into the cooled pastries.
5. The chocolate sauce combines dark chocolate, double cream, and liqueur (if using), melted together to drizzle over the filled profiteroles.

Storage and Reheating

Store unfilled choux pastry in an airtight container to maintain its crispness. Filled profiteroles should be consumed within a day or so but can be refrigerated. Reheat in an oven to restore texture before serving.

Nutritional Information

A serving of profiteroles can vary greatly in nutritional value, depending on the size and filling. Generally, they are high in calories due to the butter, cream, and chocolate components.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I fill profiteroles with something other than whipped cream? Yes, variations include custard, ice cream, or flavored creams such as chocolate or caramel.
• Why did my profiteroles deflate? This usually happens if the oven door is opened too soon. Ensure they bake fully before checking.
• Can the chocolate sauce be made in advance? Yes, it can be reheated gently, whisking to smooth out if necessary.

In conclusion, profiteroles are a delightful dessert that, while requiring some effort, can be a show-stopping addition to any meal. Whether you adhere to the classic filling of whipped cream or venture into custards or ice cream, they offer a canvas for creativity. Serve them with a warm, rich chocolate sauce for that ultimate indulgence.

Original recipe attributed to Nigella Lawson's community recipes​​and further insights provided by Thanh from Eat, Little Bird​​.