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Savory Colomba

17/11/2023

I can guide you through the preparation of a Savory Colomba, a rustic twist on the typically Italian Easter sweet. The Savory Colomba can be an idea for an original appetizer or aperitif during the holidays.

Ingredients

  • 500 g of Manitoba flour
  • 150 ml of warm water
  • 100 ml of warm milk
  • 100 g of soft butter
  • 2 eggs (plus one yolk for brushing)
  • 25 g of fresh yeast
  • 1 tablespoon of honey (or sugar)
  • 10 g of fine salt
  • 150 g of grated cheese (Parmesan or Grana Padano)
  • 200 g of mixed cold cuts, diced (salami, cooked ham, speck)
  • Pitted olives as needed (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper (or spices to taste)

Preparation

  1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water with the honey or sugar and let it rest for about 10 minutes or until a slight foam forms on the surface.
  2. In a large bowl, put the flour and make a well in the center where you will pour the dissolved yeast, warm milk, eggs and start kneading.
  3. Gradually add the soft butter cut into small pieces and continue to knead.
  4. Add the salt and continue working the dough until it becomes elastic and uniform.
  5. Add the grated cheese, the diced cold cuts, the olives (if you decide to use them) and the pepper or spices of your choice. Incorporate all the ingredients well into the dough.
  6. Let the dough rise in a place sheltered from drafts for at least 2 hours or until it doubles in volume, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
  7. After rising, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and give it the typical shape of the Colomba (if you do not have a specific mold, you can shape the dough by hand).
  8. Transfer the dough into the mold, if you have one, and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
  9. Brush the surface with a beaten egg yolk to get a golden crust. If you wish, you can add seeds or other small savory decorations on the surface.
  10. Bake at 180 °C in a preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the surface is well golden.
  11. Let it cool before cutting and serving your Savory Colomba.

Curiosity

The Easter Colomba is born as a sweet symbol of peace and rebirth. Its savory version, on the other hand, is part of the rich world of culinary reinterpretations that try to combine tradition and innovation, maintaining the sense of festivity while offering an alternative for those who prefer rustic and less sweet flavors.

Savory Colomba