Taralli with Tomato and Oregano Pizzaiola Style

Pizzaiola style taralli are a tasty and aromatic snack that combines the flavors of pizza with the crunchiness of taralli. Here is the step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients

  • 500 g of type 00 flour
  • 200 g of lukewarm water
  • 10 g of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 15 g of fresh brewer’s yeast or 5 g of active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
  • 100 g of sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 clove of garlic

Preparation

  1. Begin by dissolving the fresh brewer’s yeast (or active dry yeast) in lukewarm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

  2. In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, mixing well to distribute it evenly.

  3. Add the extra virgin olive oil, the water with the yeast, and start kneading until you obtain a homogeneous and elastic mixture.

  4. Mix in the finely chopped dried oregano and tomatoes. Also add the crushed garlic to further flavor, but remember to remove it before shaping the taralli.

  5. Knead again until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

  6. Take small portions of dough and form strands about 10-15 cm long, then join the ends to create the classic ring shape of taralli.

  7. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and boil the taralli a few at a time for about 1-2 minutes, until they float to the surface.

  8. Remove the taralli with a slotted spoon and place them on a clean cloth to dry and drain.

  9. Finally, arrange the taralli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

  10. Remove from the oven and let the taralli cool on a rack before serving.

Curious Facts

Taralli are a traditional snack, especially in southern Italy. Their preparation includes a particular step of “boiling” before baking, similar to bagels, which gives them a particularly crunchy crust and a unique texture. With the addition of tomato and oregano, these taralli resemble the taste of pizza, hence the name “pizzaiola style”.