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Impasto della Crescia pasqua ( Umbrian Easter bread Dough)

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Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Stand mixer with a dough hook
  • Mixing bowls
  • 8-inch round or loaf pan
  • Plastic wrap and kitchen towel
  • Pastry brush

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour or Italian 0 flour
  • 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 3-4 dashes of black pepper
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk room temperature
  • ½ cup light olive oil
  • ⅓ cup lukewarm milk
  • Yeast Starter:
  • 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 ½ tablespoons lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Cheese Filling:
  • 5 oz small cubes of Gruyère Provolone, or Fontina

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Prepare the Yeast Starter
  • Dissolve sugar or honey in lukewarm water. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy. Stir gently.
  • Mix the Dough
  • In the mixer bowl, combine flour, Parmesan, and Pecorino. Add milk, eggs, egg yolk, olive oil, and the yeast starter.
  • Knead with the dough hook on low speed. Gradually add salt and pepper. Knead for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • First Rise
  • Shape the dough into a ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Incorporate the Cheese
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle and scatter cheese cubes over it. Fold the edges to enclose the cheese, then reshape into a ball.
  • Second Rise
  • Transfer the dough to a greased round pan. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 2-4 hours, until the dough reaches the rim.
  • Bake
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden and firm to touch. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
  • Variations and Tips
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use vegetarian cheese for dietary preferences.
  • Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or paprika to the dough for a spiced note.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free bread mix.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with cold cuts, olives, or a soft ricotta spread for a festive platter.
Keyword ( Umbrian Easter bread Dough), Impasto della Crescia pasqua