The ingredients you’ll need for casatiello are likely already in your pantry. Flour, yeast, salt, eggs, pecorino romano cheese, and various cured meats such as salami and prosciutto are all you need to create this tasty bread.
To start, you’ll want to activate your yeast by dissolving it in lukewarm water. Add a teaspoon of sugar to give the yeast a boost. Once it’s bubbly, you can mix it in with your flour, salt, and eggs to form the dough. Knead the dough for about ten minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
Next, you’ll want to incorporate your cheeses and cured meats. Cut your meat into small cubes and grate your cheese before adding them to the dough. Mix everything until it’s well incorporated.
Now it’s time to shape your casatiello. Form the dough into a ball and press it down onto a floured surface. Use your fingers to make a hole in the center of the dough, creating a ring shape. The hole should be big enough to fit a raw egg. Place the egg in the center of the ring and then cover it with more dough. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased baking pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about an hour.
Before baking, brush the top of the casatiello with a beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden shine. Then, bake the bread in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.
Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The egg inside should be , but still soft enough to enjoy with the bread. Slice your casatiello and serve it warm with some olive oil for dipping.
Not only is casatiello delicious, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover cured meats and cheese you may have in your fridge. This rustic bread is perfect for Easter brunch or a cozy evening in with loved ones.
In addition to being a tasty treat, casatiello is also a symbol of rebirth and renewal. The raw egg in the center represents new life and the resurrection of Christ, making it a perfect addition to any Easter celebration.
Overall, this recipe for rustic casatiello is easy to make and yields delicious results. It’s a great way to impress your family and friends with your baking skills and to celebrate the rich traditions of Italian culture. So go ahead and try making this bread – you won’t be disappointed!