What is Neapolitan Casatiello?
Neapolitan Casatiello is a traditional Italian bread that is typically baked and enjoyed during Easter. Its origins can be traced back to the 17th century when it was first created in Naples, Italy. This unique bread is a combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a true delight for the taste buds.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
To bake Neapolitan Casatiello, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 cup of diced salami or soppressata
- 1/2 cup of diced mortadella
- 1/2 cup of diced provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup of diced cooked ham
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 large eggs
How to Bake Neapolitan Casatiello?
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, follow these steps to bake your own Neapolitan Casatiello:
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt together.
- Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and 3 eggs to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape and sprinkle it with the Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Layer the salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, and cooked ham over the dough.
- Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly to form a log and seal the edges.
- Place the rolled dough into a greased round cake pan and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the Casatiello.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.
Enjoy the Sweet Delight
Now that your Neapolitan Casatiello is ready, you can finally indulge in the sweet taste of this traditional delicacy. The combination of the savory filling and the fluffy bread will surely leave you craving for more. Share this delightful recipe with your loved ones and celebrate Easter with a truly authentic Italian treat!