Meringue (also known as French meringue) is a type of cream that's made from very few ingredients: egg whites, sugar, and a pinch of salt; but it tastes delicious. There are other types of meringue, such as the Italian meringue, which is made with syrup, or the Swiss meringue, which is made in a bain-marie. It can be baked to make meringues or many other desserts, such as lemon meringue pie. So what are you waiting for? Follow the OneHowTo step-by-step guide to discover how to make meringue.
- Bowl
- Whisk
You should know that to make meringue is very simple. However, it's important to understand the technique to get the meringue to stand adequately, serving it as decoration for your desserts. Ensure your equipment is clean and dry, as any grease or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
Place the egg whites in a large enough bowl; they will increase substantially in size. Eggs should be at room temperature for this, so be sure to remove them from the fridge beforehand.
Add the salt and beat the eggs vigorously with the salt using an electric whip or a blender until they become frothy, that is, until peaks form. It should be noted that starting with a slower speed and gradually increasing it can help achieve a more stable meringue.
Leave the meringue to rest for a few minutes and ensure that no unbeaten egg white remains in the bottom of the bowl to prevent the peaks from collapsing. In this regard, using a spatula to gently fold the mixture can help incorporate any remaining unbeaten whites.
Add the caster sugar a little at a time and keep on stirring so it's perfectly blended. If you use normal white sugar, you'll need to beat for longer to let it dissolve completely and avoid any granules. For example, superfine sugar is often preferred for its quick dissolving properties, ensuring a smooth texture.
Once you've added all the sugar, continue beating until the mixture is glossy and fluffy. You will know the meringue has reached the right consistency when its peaks start to get hard or what is known as "bird beak", due to its similarity with this part of birds. Additionally, test the meringue by turning the bowl upside down; if it stays put, you have achieved the perfect stiffness.
You can also add vanilla or lemon to give it more flavor. You can also make this recipe sugar-free. Take a look at our article on how to make sugar-free meringue. It should be noted that natural extracts or zest can enhance the aromatic profile of your meringue.
If what you're after is to make baked meringues or so-called meringue kisses, you should bake them at low temperature (100-120°C/210-250°F) for at least an hour and a half. If your oven allows it, bake them with the door ajar so that they can dry faster. Additionally, using parchment paper can prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Make Meringue, we recommend you visit our Recipes category.
- You'll need to be patient to get the right meringue texture. Remember, practice makes perfect, and understanding your equipment's capabilities can greatly impact the results.