There’s something magical about chocolate mousse—it’s rich, airy, and utterly indulgent. This recipe takes it a step further by incorporating a modern cooking technique: sous vide. By infusing the chocolate with flavors directly in the water bath, you can create a uniquely delicious dessert that showcases the beauty of chocolate in a whole new way!
Ingredients
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or sea salt flakes
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing your sous vide setup. Fill your immersion circulator with water and preheat it to 55°C (131°F). This temperature will gently melt the chocolate without compromising its flavor.
2. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bag. Seal the bag using the water displacement method, ensuring all air is removed. Immerse the bag in the preheated water bath and let the chocolate melt for about 30 minutes.
3. While the chocolate is melting, in a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the granulated sugar until pale and creamy. This will help create a light texture in the mousse.
4. Once the chocolate is melted, carefully remove the bag from the water bath. Let it cool slightly before pouring the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture. Stir gently until fully combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; you want it to remain light and airy.
6. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks start to form. Gradually add a pinch of sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. This will provide the mousse with its signature fluffiness.
7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Then, carefully fold in the egg whites, being cautious not to deflate the mixture. The goal here is to maintain that airy texture!
8. Once fully combined, spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly.
9. Before serving, you can garnish your chocolate mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes can also enhance the chocolate’s richness.
10. Serve chilled and enjoy the velvety, luscious experience of your modern chocolate mousse!
This recipe is a perfect example of how embracing technology can elevate a classic dessert. The sous vide method not only provides a more controlled melting process but also allows for unique flavor infusions. Happy cooking!