Savory Tartufi di Cioccolato: A Delightful Italian Treat
Savory Italian Tartufi di Cioccolato Recipe
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, saucepan, spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, and refrigerator
Ingredients
- 8 oz 225 g of high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- ½ cup 120 ml of heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup 30 g of cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional coatings: Chopped nuts shredded coconut, or sprinkles for variety
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate.
- Step 2: Mix and Chill
- Stir gently with a spoon until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
- Step 3: Form the Truffles
- Once chilled, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out small amounts of the chocolate mixture.
- Roll the scooped mixture between your hands to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Step 4: Coat the Truffles
- Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, nuts, or any desired coating until evenly covered.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Final Chill
- Refrigerate the truffles for another 30 minutes to set before serving.
- Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Use dark chocolate with no dairy and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Nut-Free: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or shredded coconut instead of nuts.
- Flavor Variations: Add a tablespoon of flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the chocolate mixture for an extra kick.
Tartufi di Cioccolato, or chocolate truffles, are a classic Italian dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make. These rich, creamy bites of heaven can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a grand dessert spread. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to suit various dietary needs. From my own personal experience, this is a go-to recipe that never fails to impress.
Notes on What to Expect
When you bite into a tartufo, expect a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The dark chocolate and cream create a luxurious filling, while the outer coating adds texture and flavor. You can customize these truffles in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.
Let me show you how I make these delicious Tartufi di Cioccolato, and feel free to experiment with flavors and coatings to make them your own. Enjoy your sweet Italian indulgence.
Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Time to Stand: 1 hour (for chilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: Approximately 12 truffles
- Calories: About 120 calories per truffle
- Cost of Ingredients: $10 (approximate, varies by location)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dessert
- Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, saucepan, spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, and refrigerator
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Tartufi di Cioccolato here
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) of high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30 g) of cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Optional coatings: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles for variety
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Tartufi di Cioccolato here
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate.
Step 2: Mix and Chill
- Stir gently with a spoon until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to scoop.
Step 3: Form the Truffles
- Once chilled, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out small amounts of the chocolate mixture.
- Roll the scooped mixture between your hands to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Step 4: Coat the Truffles
- Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, nuts, or any desired coating until evenly covered.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Final Chill
- Refrigerate the truffles for another 30 minutes to set before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Use dark chocolate with no dairy and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Nut-Free: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder or shredded coconut instead of nuts.
- Flavor Variations: Add a tablespoon of flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the chocolate mixture for an extra kick.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Tartufi di Cioccolato here
Tips for Success
- Quality Chocolate Matters: The better the chocolate, the better the truffles will taste. Choose high-quality chocolate for the best results.
- Control the Temperature: Be careful not to overheat the cream, as this can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the mixture is firm enough to handle before rolling. If it’s too soft, chill for a bit longer.
Nutritional Information (per truffle)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Truffles Too Soft: If the mixture is too soft to roll, chill it longer. You can also add a bit of cocoa powder to thicken it.
- Chocolate Seized: If the chocolate seizes while melting, add a tablespoon of warm cream and stir until smooth.
- Uneven Coating: Ensure each truffle is evenly coated by rolling them multiple times in your chosen coating.
