Savory Ciambellone: A Simple and Flavorful Italian Ring Cake
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
This savory ciambellone, or Italian ring-shaped cake, is the perfect blend of rich, hearty flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Made with a mix of Italian cold cuts, creamy cheeses, and olives, it is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips or even as part of an antipasti spread. The combination of mortadella, salame napoletano, provolone, and a touch of olives brings a Mediterranean flair to the traditional cake form. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a savory snack, this ciambellone is a delightful choice.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| Greek yogurt (0% fat) | 150g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 25g |
| Whole milk | 80g |
| Sunflower oil | 80g |
| All-purpose flour | 300g |
| Instant yeast for savory recipes | 16g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Mortadella (diced) | 80g |
| Neapolitan salami (diced) | 80g |
| Provolone cheese (diced) | 80g |
| Black olives (sliced) | 50g |
| Green olives (sliced) | 50g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the cold cuts and olives: Start by cutting the mortadella and salame napoletano into large 1 cm cubes. Slice both the black and green olives into rings and set them aside.
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Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, and sunflower oil until smooth and lump-free. The yogurt adds a creamy texture, and the milk provides a rich base for the batter.
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Add the dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and instant yeast into the wet mixture. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures even distribution of the yeast. Use the whisk to combine everything into a smooth, thick batter.
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Season the batter: Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your taste.
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Incorporate the fillings: Gently fold in the cubes of mortadella, salami, provolone cheese, and the sliced olives using a spatula. The rich, savory flavors will infuse the batter as you stir.
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Prepare the baking mold: Grease a 24 cm ring-shaped cake pan with a little sunflower oil to ensure the ciambellone doesn’t stick. You can also lightly dust the pan with flour for extra security.
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Bake the ciambellone: Pour the batter into the prepared mold, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and serve: Let the ciambellone cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. Once it has cooled slightly, cut it into wedges and serve as a delightful appetizer. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Success:
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Customizing the Fillings: Feel free to mix and match the cold cuts and cheeses according to your preferences. Prosciutto, pancetta, or other Italian sausages can also be used. If you like a bit of spice, try adding a touch of chili flakes to the batter.
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Storage: Leftover ciambellone can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. It also makes a great picnic snack and can be enjoyed cold.
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Make Ahead: This savory cake can be prepared a day in advance and reheated in the oven before serving for a quicker prep on the day of your gathering.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 10g
Sodium: 580mg
This savory ciambellone is not just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavors that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Its soft texture, combined with the bold tastes of meats, cheese, and olives, makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Simple to prepare, it’s an ideal appetizer that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike!
