Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with Wild Chard: A Taste of Sicilian Countryside
Discover the rustic charm of Cuḍḍuruni di Lentini, a traditional Sicilian stuffed focaccia filled with wild chard and fresh cheese.
📖 What is it
Discover the rustic charm of Cuḍḍuruni di Lentini, a traditional Sicilian stuffed focaccia filled with wild chard and fresh cheese.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 350g semolina flour
- ✓ 15g fresh yeast
- ✓ 2 teaspoons caster sugar
- ✓ 1 teaspoon salt
- ✓ lukewarm water, as needed
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 4 bunches of wild chard
- ✓ 150g primo sale cheese
- ✓ a handful of pitted black olives
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of Sicily with this hearty Cuḍḍuruni di Lentini, a rustic focaccia bursting with the earthy flavours of wild chard, olives, and fresh primo sale cheese. Born in the Sicilian countryside, this traditional dish evokes the warmth of a wood-fired oven and the simple pleasures of peasant cooking.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by making the dough: mound the flour on your work surface, create a well in the centre, then add the sugar, yeast, and a splash of lukewarm water.
- 2
Start mixing, then incorporate the salt and olive oil, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
- 3
Cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
- 4
Meanwhile, wash and trim the wild chard, then cook it covered in a pan without adding water for 20 minutes.
- 5
Drain the greens, let them cool, then squeeze out any excess moisture.
- 6
Roll out the dough into two thin discs – one will be the base, the other the lid.
- 7
Spread the cooked chard, chopped olives, crumbled primo sale, a good grind of black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil over one disc.
- 8
Place the second disc on top and seal the edges by pinching to form a neat corded rim.
- 9
Brush the surface with extra virgin olive oil and prick lightly with a fork.
- 10
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- 11
Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an equally tasty filling, swap the wild chard for fresh chard or spinach, which are readily available at local markets.
- •
Add some gently caramelised red onion for a deeper flavour or a few cherry tomatoes for a juicy, softer note.
- •
To enrich the filling, sprinkle in some aged Sicilian cheese like pecorino for a sharper edge.
- •
Use a non-stick baking tray or line your tray with baking parchment to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- •
The key to this recipe is the gluten in the dough, which gives the focaccia its perfect stretch and crispness.
- •
For a vegetarian option, keep the filling purely vegetable and cheese-based, avoiding any cured meats or animal products.
- •
To boost umami, try adding a pinch of nutritional yeast or a teaspoon of soy sauce to the filling.
- •
For a gluten-free twist, experiment with rice or corn flour, adjusting the liquid quantities accordingly.
- •
The secret lies in slow baking at a moderate temperature, which creates a golden crust and a soft, tender centre.
📦 Storage
- • Keep your cuḍḍuruni covered with a clean tea towel at room temperature for up to 24 hours to preserve its freshness.
- • To revive its crispness, warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes before serving.
- • For longer storage, wrap tightly in cling film and freeze; thaw gently at room temperature before reheating.
- • Avoid refrigerating as the moisture can toughen the dough and spoil the texture.
🍷 Pairing
Pair this cuḍḍuruni with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a Sicilian red wine whose fruity and floral notes beautifully complement the focaccia’s crispness and the slightly bitter wild chard. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola balances the rustic flavours well. If you prefer something from further afield, a fresh, light Chianti Classico works wonderfully with this dish.
Making cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with wild chard is like bringing a slice of Sicilian heritage right to your table, full of honest flavours and rustic charm. Enjoy it fresh from the oven and don’t hesitate to share this delightful treat with your loved ones – it’s the perfect way to celebrate good food and great company.
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