Impasto della Colomba Salata (Savory Easter Dove Dough)

The Colomba Pasquale, or Easter Dove, is a cherished Italian tradition, especially in regions like Lombardy. This delightful bread, typically enjoyed during Easter, is traditionally sweet. However, a savory variation, known as Colomba Salata, has gained popularity, offering a delicious twist to the classic recipe.

From my own personal experience, crafting this savory delight is both enjoyable and rewarding. Let me show you how I make it with this detailed, step-by-step guide.

Notes

Expect a rich, savory bread with a soft, fluffy interior and a slightly crisp crust. The combination of meats and cheeses provides a delightful medley of flavors in each bite.

Savory Easter Dove Bread (Colomba Salata) Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Ease of Cooking: Moderate
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: Approximately 270 kcal per serving
Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Appetizer or Snack

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colomba-shaped mold (or a standard loaf pan)
• Clean kitchen towel
• Oven
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Easter Dove Bread (Colomba Salata) now.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 ml warm milk (about 37°C or 98°F)
• 15 g fresh yeast, crumbled (or 5 g active dry yeast)
• 1 pinch of sugar
• 550 g all-purpose flour (type 00)
• 50 ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 10 g salt

For the Filling:

• 200 g thinly sliced pancetta
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 200 g smoked scamorza cheese, sliced
• 30 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano

For Topping:

• 20-30 ml milk, for brushing
• 1 slice of thick-cut cooked ham (about 3 mm thick), cut into decorative shapes
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 7-8 pine nuts
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Easter Dove Bread (Colomba Salata) now.

Method

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine the warm milk, crumbled fresh yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, egg, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
   • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Assemble the Colomba:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle.
   • Layer the pancetta, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and scamorza cheese over the dough. Sprinkle the grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top.
   • Roll the dough tightly into a log, then shape it into a dove by forming a central body with two wings. Place it into a colomba-shaped mold or a standard loaf pan.
3. Final Rise and Baking:
   • Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
   • Brush the top with milk and decorate with sesame seeds, pine nuts, and the decorative ham shapes.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
   • Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Variations and Tips

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the pancetta with sautéed spinach or grilled vegetables, and use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
• Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to substitute scamorza with mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread-making, adjusting liquids as necessary.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven before serving for best results.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Easter Dove Bread (Colomba Salata) now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

I hope this guide has made making Colomba Salata seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.