What is an affogato and how to make it
The popular Italian dessert consists of only two ingredients, espresso, and ice cream, yet the result is utterly extravagant and delicious.
An intoxicating blend of aromas, colours, and silky textures, affogato can be easily prepared at home.
Affogato translates to "drowned" in Italian and is one of the simplest desserts you can create.
It's a big scoop of vanilla ice cream with a hot espresso shot poured over it.
When the affogato is ready to serve, the ice cream looks as if it has drowned in the coffee.
Making a perfect affogato is simple — choose the finest quality ingredients.
It's all about using the best coffee and the best ice cream.
To make affogato at home, use an espresso machine or cook the coffee on the stove.
Just remember that the coffee should be highly concentrated.
Plus, don't add any milk or water to it.
If you're a lover of coffee, you can add a double shot of espresso rather than just one for maximum intensity.
Step 1.
Grab a chilled bowl or glass.
Step 2.
Into a bowl, add a generous scoop of ice cream.
Step 3.
Prepare the espresso.
Step 4.
On top of the ice cream, pour the hot espresso.
Step 5.
Eat the affogato with a spoon before it melts.
How to eat your affogato
Just like the best Italian cooking, affogato is famed for its simplicity and effortlessness.
Therefore, it's lovely served on its own.
But if you're hoping to pair this dessert with something special, we have a few suggestions.
Affogato is full of smooth textures, from the gelato to the espresso.
Adding some crunch and contrast to the recipe will enhance the tasting experience.
A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or pistachios would work well, as would crushed biscotti and amaretto biscuits.
For chocolate lovers, top your affogato with shaved Venchi dark chocolate to enrich the flavour.