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Bolognese Crescenta

17/11/2023

The Bolognese crescenta is a rustic and traditional dish that resembles focaccias or savory pies. Here is the recipe for you.

Ingredients

  • 500 g of type 0 flour
  • 250 g of lukewarm water
  • 25 g of fresh brewer’s yeast
  • 100 g of lard or extra virgin olive oil (for a less traditional version)
  • 10 g of salt
  • Thinly sliced raw ham, about 150 g
  • Grated Grana cheese, about 100 g
  • 2-3 tablespoons of milk, for brushing

Preparation

  1. Start by dissolving the brewer’s yeast in the lukewarm water. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the dissolved yeast. Start kneading by gradually adding the salt and lard (or oil). Work the dough until it forms a smooth and elastic mass.
  2. Let the dough rest in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth, until it doubles in volume (about 2 hours).
  3. Take the leavened dough and roll it out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, trying to give it a rectangular shape with a thickness of about half a centimeter.
  4. Evenly distribute the slices of raw ham and sprinkle the grated Grana cheese over the rectangle of dough.
  5. Roll up the dough on itself starting from the long side, as if you were making a roll and close well the ends to seal the filling inside.
  6. Place the roll on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, with the seam facing down. Let it rest again for about 30 minutes so that it can rise one last time.
  7. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
  8. Gently brush the surface of the crescenta with a bit of milk to give it a more inviting browning during cooking.
  9. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the crescenta is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let it cool slightly before serving.

The crescenta can be enjoyed both warm and cold. In some cases, it can be enriched with other ingredients such as different cold cuts or cheeses according to taste.

Curiosity

The crescenta, like many traditional preparations, has ancient origins linked to rural life. It was often prepared during village festivals and special occasions as a symbol of conviviality and abundance. Over time, it has become a dish appreciated by everyone for its simple but authentic taste.

Bolognese Crescenta