Food Impanata

A Sicilian impanata is the perfect companion to a familial scamper into the countryside. Here we have a recipe by Rachel Roddy/GUARDIAN and her blog "A Kitchen in Rome"

Ingredients

10g dried yeast or 20g fresh yeast

1 tbsp sugar

500g flour, ideally semolina flour, but plain flour or 00-grade works too

10g salt

30ml extra virgin olive oil

150-200ml water



For the filling

500g mozzarella (well drained)

8-16 anchovy fillets

Olive oil mixed with water or 1 beaten egg

Salt and black pepper



Preparation




    • Dissolve the yeast and sugar in a glass of tepid water.
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2. Mix the flour, salt and olive oil in a large bowl, then add the dissolved yeast and enough extra water to bring everything together into a soft dough

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3. Knead until smooth. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or clingfilm, then leave in a warm spot for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

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4. Lightly oil a 29cm-round tin. Halve the dough. Roll out both pieces on a lightly floured surface

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5. Press the big piece into it, making sure it comes up the sides

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6. Put the form on the second dough and cut it out.

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7. Arrange the cheese and anchovies. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.

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8. Then cover with the remaining dough.

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9. Brush the edges with oil or egg white. Pinch and twist the edges closed. Brush with either oil mixed with water or beaten egg.

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10. Poke a few holes in the top with a fork and bake in a preheated oven at 200C/400F/gas mark 6 for 25-35 minutes, or until golden and puffed up. Serve cold or lukewarm. ENJOY

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Thank you Martin, made it today and it was truly lovely with my homegrown salad and a glass of perricone. Perhaps not the correct colour but it has the right geography!
 
That´s good to hear, Enda. BTW, when I tasted it straight from the oven I was disappointed and never thought to publish it. But later the day I enjoyed it. IMPANATA is best to enjoy cold or lukewarm.
 
Martin, we had it lukewarm and it was excellent. As ever, when I get enthused with a recipe, I'm dying to try it again. Will probably make it next week and serve cold when I have friends over for drinks. Again thank you.
 
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