What is timballes?

Timballes (also known as timbales) are a type of percussion instrument that originated in Cuba. They consist of two shallow, single-headed, metal drums with one drum smaller than the other. The larger drum, called the hembra, produces a lower pitch sound, while the smaller drum, called the macho, produces a higher pitch sound.

Timballes are typically played with sticks or brushes and are often used in Latin American music, including salsa, mambo, and rumba. They are often used as part of a percussion section alongside other instruments such as congas and bongos.

In addition to their use in music, timballes can also be used in cooking. In Italian cuisine, timballo is a type of baked dish that uses pasta or rice as a base and is typically layered with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The dish is named after the shape of the small, cylindrical baking pan used to cook it, which is reminiscent of the shape of the musical instrument.