Torta nera

The Torta Nera is a typical dessert from some Italian regions, such as Emilia-Romagna, for example. This recipe can vary slightly according to local traditions, but here I will give you a classic version.

Ingredients

• 200 g of sugar
• 150 g of butter
• 150 g of flour
• 100 g of dark chocolate
• 100 g of finely chopped almonds
• 4 eggs
• 1 packet of baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave and let it cool.
3. Whip the soft butter with sugar in a bowl until you have a frothy and light mixture.
4. Separate the yolks from the whites. Add the yolks one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, continuing to stir.
5. Add the melted chocolate and the chopped almonds to the mixture, mixing well.
6. Combine the sifted flour with the baking powder, gently folding it into the mixture.
7. Whip the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt, and gently fold them into the rest of the batter, using a spatula and movements from the bottom up so as not to deflate the mixture.
8. Pour the mixture into a round pan (preferably with a springform) that has been previously buttered and floured.
9. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Once baked, let the cake cool before dusting it with powdered sugar.

Curiosity

The Torta Nera is often appreciated for its moisture and intense flavor, due to the presence of chocolate and almonds. It is not uncommon to encounter variations that include the addition of spices such as cinnamon or cloves to enhance the aroma.

Remember that the torta nera can be customized in many ways, for example, by adding a layer of chocolate ganache or a dusting of cocoa to further intensify the chocolate flavor.