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Huevos chimbos
Huevos chimbos: Maracaibo's egg-yolk sponges soaked in cinnamon syrup
In Maracaibo, huevos chimbos turn up at baptisms, weddings and the Christmas table: little sponges made only of beaten egg yolks, baked, then soaked in a cinnamon and clove syrup until they are glossy, tender and very sweet. Some families add a splash of rum to the syrup; this version leaves it out. The common mistake is under-beating the yolks, which gives dense, rubbery balls. Chef's tip: beat for a full 10 minutes until the yolks are pale, thick and tripled in volume, and save the whites for meringue.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 8
Ingredients
For the sponges
- 12 egg yolksat room temperature
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp vegetable oilfor the moulds
For the syrup
- 14 oz sugar
- 2 cups water
- 3 cloves
- 1 strip lemon peel
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What you'll need
Spices & pantry
Fresh ingredients (2)
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 350°F. Brush a 24-hole mini muffin tin with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
3 minStep 2: Beat 12 egg yolks with an electric whisk on high for 10 minutes, until pale, thick and tripled in volume; it should fall in a ribbon that sits on top. Sift in ½ tsp baking powder and fold through.
10 minStep 3: Spoon into the tin to two-thirds full and bake for 12–15 minutes, until risen, golden and springy when pressed. Cool for 5 minutes and ease them out.
18 minStep 4: Meanwhile simmer 14 oz sugar, 2 cups water, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves and 1 strip lemon peel for 10 minutes, until slightly syrupy.
10 minStep 5: Lower the sponges into the gently simmering syrup and poach for 5 minutes, turning, until soaked and glossy. Cool in the syrup and serve chilled or at room temperature.
5 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 300 kcal
- Protein
- 6 g
- Carbs
- 52 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does huevos chimbos take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 8 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegetarian?
- Yes. It has no meat or fish.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes. It keeps well, so you can cook it earlier in the day or the day before and reheat it.
- What can I use instead of baking powder?
- ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tsp.
- What can I use instead of sugar?
- Caster sugar, same amount.
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