Greek tourta with ladyfingers - Mia Kouppa, Real Greek recipes

A layered Greek fridge dessert made with ladyfingers, whipped cream, almonds and chocolate. This is a refreshing, easy to make, no bake dessert that’s excellent for hotter climate.

This dessert comes straight from Greece! When my expensive Thea Voula was visiting us this summer season she was prepared and excited to share one other recipe with us, and with all of you! You could keep in mind that the final time she visited she taught us how one can make her superb ekmek kataifi and her pasta flora. She additionally shared different recipes, however these we’re holding onto for a short while longer!

This go to she was excited to share her tourta; that was how she referred to it, merely as a tourta. She shared that this was a very common dessert in the summertime as a result of it required no baking and was loved straight from the fridge.

When Thea Voula makes this dessert in Greece she calls her native bakery and locations an order for freshly made savoiardi or ladyfingers. She picks them up the following day and inside just a few hours she has this pretty layered dessert to share along with her household and anybody who may pop in for a go to.

Why this recipe is nice

I like a dessert that doesn’t require me to activate an oven! Especially throughout the scorching days of summer season, having the ability to assemble a dessert with out baking is an actual deal with. That is why I like ice cream muffins (have you ever tried my Melomakarona ice cream cake?) and desserts like this Greek tourta with ladyfingers!

The flavour of this dessert is superb and so are the textures. You have the cake-like texture of the ladyfingers, the creaminess of the whipped cream and the crunch of the nuts – so, so good!

Even non-bakers, or non-dessert-makers will discover success with this recipe. It is actually easy and I’ve written the steps in a approach that makes every thing tremendous clear! Also, as a result of this can be a no-bake fridge dessert it’s fairly forgiving. You could make just a few errors, and it’ll nonetheless be nice!

Key substances

You will want a number of substances for this tourta, however they’re all straightforward to search out, and also you doubtless have already got many of those available, particularly when you wish to bake!

Almonds I like to make use of complete almonds which are both roasted or unroasted. The necessary factor is that they don’t have any further flavouring added. I take advantage of almonds with the pores and skin on as I discover that they’re visually extra interesting on this tourta.

Semi candy chocolate I ideally use Baker’s chocolate for this recipe. It sometimes is available in a comparatively thick bar, making it straightforward to shave off utilizing a vegetable peeler, or to cut up utilizing a knife.

Whipping cream This is cream that has a 35% milk fats content material. It is that this milk fats that enables the cream to whip up and stabilize.

Icing sugar I like to make use of icing sugar (additionally known as confectioner’s sugar) to sweeten the whipped cream. It dissolves properly into the whipping cream and sweetens it evenly.

Almond extract This is a potent liquid flavouring! Pure almond extract (splendid) has an intense almond flavour and aroma and a bit of goes a great distance. If you don’t have it, you’ll be able to skip it (though it actually does add loads to the dessert).

Metaxa The quintessential Greek spirit! This is a cross between a cognac and a brandy and is a beautiful orange flavoured liqueur. So good! And so iconically Greek! I take advantage of it within the whipping cream and likewise within the milk combination that I dip the ladyfingers into.

Cocoa powder I take advantage of unsweetened cocoa powder on this recipe. I both use Dutch processed or pure cocoa powder, relying on what I’ve available.

Whole milk I take advantage of complete milk on this tourta. Sometimes I take advantage of lactose-free milk, if that’s what I’ve available however common milk additionally works.

Sugar To sweeten the milk combination that I’ll dip the girl fingers into I take advantage of common granulated sugar.

Ladyfingers These biscuits are additionally known as savoiardi or sponge fingers. They are formed like lengthy, skinny fingers, therefore their frequent title, ladyfingers. They have a crips exterior and an ethereal inside and are nice at absorbing flavours when they’re dipped into liquid.

How to make this Greek tourta

Making this fridge dessert may be very easy. There is not any baking concerned, so that you don’t must activate the oven, or fear about whether or not the cake is completed or not. All you need to do is assemble, and let chill.

Preparation

Step 1
Toast your almonds in a dry skillet set over medium warmth till aromatic. Stir usually and watch out to not burn your almonds. Remove from warmth after which use a meals processor or knife to cut them into chunks. Set apart.

Step 2
Using a vegetable peeler or a pointy knife, shave your chocolate into small chocolate curls. Alternatively you’ll be able to grate the chocolate, or for bigger chunks, you’ll be able to chop it up with a big knife. Set apart.

Step 3
Prepare the whipped cream by combining the whipping cream, icing sugar (sifted), almond extract and Metaxa within the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, beat on medium to medium excessive warmth till stiff peaks kind. Set apart.

Step 4
In a small bowl mix the cocoa powder with about 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk effectively till the cocoa powder has dissolved and there aren’t any chunks left. Add this to the remaining milk after which add the sugar and Metaxa. Mix effectively to mix. Set apart.

Instructions to assemble the tourta

Step 1
Have your 9 x 11 inch rectangular pan prepared. Take your ladyfingers and dip them shortly, one after the other, into the milk combination. Immediately place them into your baking pan. Continue till you will have a layer of ladyfingers which utterly cowl the underside of your pan.

Step 2
Spread half of the whipped cream evenly over the girl fingers. Next sprinkle on half of the almonds after which half of the chocolate. Repeat the method with the girl fingers to create a second layer. Top that with the remaining whipping cream, the remaining almonds and the remaining chocolate.

Step 3
Place your assembled tourta within the fridge, uncovered, for at the very least 4 hours earlier than serving.

Helpful hints

You don’t have to be a baker to make this Greek tourta with ladyfingers – there is no such thing as a baking required! However there are some ideas that may assist you to make this dessert as superb as potential.

The quantity of ladyfingers you want may differ

In my recipe I used lower than 500 grams of ladyfingers; my bag was 500 grams and I had just a few leftover. Depending on the dimensions and form of your ladyfingers chances are you’ll want 500 grams or a bit much less. You shouldn’t want greater than that nevertheless if you’re utilizing conventional ladyfinger biscuits.

How to toast almonds

I wish to toast my almonds in a dry skillet set over medium-low to medium warmth. Although some folks wish to toast their nuts within the oven, unfold on a cookies sheet, I discover that the stovetop gives extra management and is less complicated. I toast my almonds complete, after which I chop them up. This is as a result of toasting already chopped nuts can result in burning bits which are smaller than others. I additionally stir usually – I don’t go away them unattended! You must be shut to ensure they don’t burn, and likewise to note the nutty odor that seems when they’re prepared.

How to shave chocolate

In order to shave chocolate it’s best to start out with chocolate that’s both chilled or partially frozen, in any other case it would begin to soften in your hand as you’re holding it! I take advantage of a vegetable peeler to do that as I discover it’s the best and most secure approach (versus utilizing a pointy paring knife).

How to whip cream

The key to creating whipped cream is to make use of the proper cream after all, and this implies cream that’s 35 % milk fats. Do not attempt to skimp on energy or fats right here – it’s not going to work. Another tip is to make it possible for the substances for the whipping cream, and the bowl and whisk you may be utilizing, are as chilly as might be. Although I actually don’t at all times do that, when I’ve the time, and the freezer house, I place each my metallic bowl and whisk attachment within the freezer for about an hour earlier than making ready my whipped cream.

Sift your dry substances

In this case I imply sift your cocoa powder and your icing sugar. Both of those substances tend to create small clumps. These clumps might be tough to interrupt aside if you end up attempting to include the icing sugar and the cocoa powder into the opposite substances. Sifting them earlier than including them is a strategy to resolve this nuisance.

How to dissolve your cocoa powder

I discover it a lot simpler to dissolve my cocoa powder (which I’ve sifted!) in a small amount of milk first. I create a thick combination which I then add to the remainder of my milk.

How lengthy to soak your ladyfingers

Really, all they want is a fast dunk! Most ladyfingers that you’ll buy are skinny and all you want is a fast soak within the liquid for them to soak up the flavour. Too lengthy and so they threat falling aside or turning into very mushy in your dessert; you don’t need this. I principally dip the ladyfingers in and instantly take away them from the milk combination. Note that, my aunt will get her savoiaridi contemporary from the bakery. She says that she dips them in a warmed up milk combination for a bit longer than I do right here and she or he even squeezes them a bit earlier than inserting them within the tray. I don’t suppose that this system works with store-bought, packaged biscuits.

Recipe substitutions

Use completely different nuts

Although almonds are what I take advantage of right here, and what my aunt makes use of, you’ll be able to select a distinct kind of nut when you choose. Pecans or pistachios would work effectively, as would walnuts and even hazelnuts. If you need to actually go loopy, you need to use a mixture of nuts. The solely advice is to toast them no matter what you employ, and to ensure you use unflavoured nuts.

Use various kinds of chocolate

I like to make use of bars of semi-sweet chocolate on this recipe however you’ll be able to swap this up! You may really use chocolate chips – this might make it simpler as there could be no shaving or chopping of chocolate concerned. I might suggest you employ the mini chocolate chips nevertheless as biting into a chilly (bear in mind this dessert is saved within the fridge) common sized chocolate chip could be a bit a lot.
You may use darkish chocolate or unsweetened chocolate as an alternative of the semi-sweet that I take advantage of right here. Alternatively, you need to use common milk chocolate.

Omit or change the alcohol

My aunt makes use of Metaxa in each the milk combination and the whipping cream. It is a beautiful addition, and you may positively style it within the dessert, however it’s not overpowering. It is ideal! If you would favor to not use alcohol nevertheless, merely omit it. If you wish to add some alcohol however don’t have Metaxa, then you need to use a brandy or cognac, or one other orange-flavoured liqueur. A espresso flavoured liqueur would additionally work rather well, as would one thing like an Irish cream liqueur.

Frequently requested questions

What is a Greek fridge dessert?

There are many sorts of Greek fridge desserts, however they arrive in two completely different lessons. First you will have the desserts that require some cooking or baking, like ekmek kataifi, which you then retailer within the fridge till serving. And then you will have one other class of desserts that require no baking or cooking in any respect, like this Greek tourta with ladyfingers. Both sorts of desserts are refreshing, cooling and excellent for decent Greece climate!

What are ladyfingers?

Also known as savoiardi or sponge fingers, ladyfingers are biscuits which are sometimes flat and have an extended oval form – the resemble fingers (form of) therefore their title. They are crispy on the surface and spongy on the within, making them excellent for absorbing liquid. They are utilized in desserts like tiramisu, trifles or charlottes, and in Greek fridge desserts like this tourta!

How do you retain ladyfingers from getting soggy?

Ladyfingers are actually absorbent, virtually like a sponge! As a outcome you need to be actually cautious to not soak your cookies for too lengthy within the liquid or syrup you may be utilizing. A fast dunk is all you want. Some folks even advise that as an alternative of dipping your biscuits in liquid, you sweep it on each side utilizing a pastry brush. I personally don’t suppose that’s needed with this recipe however you are able to do so when you choose.

Another tip is to make it possible for the liquid you’re dipping your ladyfingers into is just not scorching – this might trigger your biscuits to melt much more.

How to retailer

This Greek tourta with ladyfingers must be saved within the fridge. After assembling it, chill it uncovered for at the very least 4 hours earlier than serving. After that, maintain the dessert, coated, within the fridge for as much as 4 – 5 days.

This dessert doesn’t freeze effectively.

How to serve

This Greek tourta is finest served proper from the fridge. It makes a beautiful after dinner dessert, or a deal with to supply to company if they arrive over for a Greek espresso or a little bit of Chamomile tea. Of course, if the temper strikes, a chilly Frappé, (Greek chilly espresso) additionally works effectively!

If you want this Greek dessert from our aunt, and you want layered dessert, I feel you’ll love these recipes too!

Greek ekmek kataifi with apple This is my model of an apple pie flavoured Ekmek kataifi recipe that I acquired from my aunt (see beneath!). It turned out even higher than I had hoped!

Greek ekmek kataifi This recipe additionally comes from my Thea Voula in Kalamata, and it’s the most superb ekmek kataifi I’ve ever tasted – and lots of agree! Layers of syrup soaked kataifi, custard and a whipped topping. Perfect proportions, excellent flavour, merely an ideal dessert!

Pasta Flora (Greek jam tart recipe) Another recipe from expensive Thea Voula! This traditional Greek dessert is a straightforward one – a layer of pastry topped with jam and embellished with a lattice of dough. So easy, and so excellent with a cup of espresso.

Greek melomakarona trifle I like this! I made this lovely, layered melomakarona trifle for the vacations final yr and it was a critical hit! Start by making my fail proof, viral, melomakarona cookie recipe after which make this dessert. It is a showstopper!

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2 cups almonds
1 cup semi candy chocolate
473 ml whipping cream
1 ⅓ cups icing sugar sifted, See Recipe Note
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tbsp Metaxa
2 ½ tbsp cocoa powder sifted, See Recipe Note
2 cups complete milk
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp Metaxa
500 grams girl fingers

Toast your almonds in a dry skillet set over medium warmth till aromatic. Stir usually and watch out to not burn your almonds. Remove from warmth after which use a meals processor or knife to cut them into chunks. Set apart.

2 cups almonds
Using a vegetable peeler or a pointy knife, shave your chocolate into small chocolate curls. Alternatively you’ll be able to grate the chocolate, or for bigger chunks, you’ll be able to chop it up with a big knife. Set apart.

1 cup semi candy chocolate
Prepare the whipped cream by combining the whipping cream, icing sugar (sifted), almond extract and Metaxa within the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, beat on medium to medium excessive warmth till stiff peaks kind. Set apart.

1 tbsp Metaxa, 473 ml whipping cream, 1 ⅓ cups icing sugar, 1 teaspoon almond extract
In a small bowl mix the cocoa powder with about 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk effectively till the cocoa powder has dissolved and there aren’t any chunks left. Add this to the remaining milk after which add the sugar and Metaxa. Mix effectively to mix. Set apart.

2 cups complete milk, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 ½ tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp Metaxa
Have your 9 x 11 inch rectangular pan prepared. Take your ladyfingers and dip them shortly, one after the other, into the milk combination. Immediately place them into your baking pan. Continue till you will have a layer of ladyfingers which utterly cowl the underside of your pan.

500 grams girl fingers
Spread half of the whipped cream evenly over the girl fingers. Next sprinkle on half of the almonds after which half of the chocolate. Repeat the method with the girl fingers to create a second layer. Top that with the remaining whipping cream, the remaining almonds and the remaining chocolate.
Place your assembled tourta within the fridge, uncovered, for at the very least 4 hours earlier than serving.

Icing sugar and cocoa powder can generally clump up. For this cause it’s best to sift it earlier than including it to the remainder of your substances within the recipe. This makes it simpler to include into both the whipping cream (icing sugar) or milk (cocoa powder).