Authentic Crescentine with Cunza: Italian Tigelle with Lard Spread

Crescentine (or Tigelle) with Cunza: A Delightful Traditional Italian Dish

Crescentine, also known as Tigelle, are a traditional dish from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. These soft, savory flatbreads are typically served with a delicious spread called “cunza,” which is made from lard, rosemary, and garlic. Whether you’re preparing these for a special occasion or simply as a comforting snack, Crescentine with Cunza will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Crescentine (Tigelle):

For the Cunza (Lard Spread):

Instructions:

Preparing the Crescentine:

1. Mixing the Dough:

   • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour 0 and flour 00. Add the whole milk and dry yeast, and mix for about 1 minute.
   • Add the lard and continue mixing using the dough hook for an additional 6 minutes, until the dough becomes compact and smooth.

2. Kneading the Dough:

   • Transfer the dough onto a wooden surface and knead by hand until it becomes smooth and homogeneous.
   • Place the dough in a covered container, wrap it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 2 hours in a warm, draft-free place. This resting period allows the dough to rise.

3. Shaping the Crescentine:

   • After the resting time, roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 5mm.
   • Using a round cutter (approximately 8.5 cm in diameter), cut out circular discs of dough. Allow them to rest for at least 20 minutes before cooking.

4. Cooking the Crescentine:

   • Preheat your tigelliera (or pan) over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Once hot, place the discs of dough onto the heated surface.
   • Close the lid of the tigelliera and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. After the first side is cooked, flip the crescentine over and continue cooking until both sides are golden and slightly crispy.
   • Check for doneness by carefully flipping the tigelliera to ensure the crescentine are cooked through. If the bread remains pale, continue cooking for a few more minutes on each side. Remember, the cooking should be gentle to allow the bread to cook evenly without burning on the outside.

5. Keeping the Crescentine Soft:

   • Once golden and cooked through, remove the crescentine from the tigelliera. Place them in a container lined with a clean kitchen towel and cover them to retain warmth. The towel will help keep them soft and fresh.

Preparing the Cunza (Lard Spread):

1. Preparing the Ingredients:

   • Remove the rind from the lard and cut the lard into thin slices, about 2mm thick. Then, cut the slices into small strips.
   • Peel the garlic clove, remove the germ, and finely chop it.

2. Combining the Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, combine the lard, chopped garlic, rosemary leaves, fine salt, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.
   • Use a knife or a food processor to finely chop everything, ensuring a smooth consistency for the spread.

3. Serving the Crescentine with Cunza:

   • Take the warm crescentine and cut them horizontally, creating a pocket in the middle.
   • Generously spread the cunza inside each crescentine. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm for the best experience.

Tips for Perfect Crescentine (Tigelle):

• Consistency of the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overwork it.
• Cooking Method: If you don’t have a tigelliera, you can use a heavy cast-iron pan to cook the crescentine. Just ensure to cook them gently, so they don’t burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
• Variation: For an extra touch, you can add grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped herbs into the dough for a more flavorful version of the crescentine.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Conclusion:

Crescentine with Cunza is an authentic Italian recipe that brings together soft, pillowy bread with a rich and savory lard spread. Whether you serve these at a family gathering, a festive meal, or as a comforting snack, these crescentine are bound to become a favorite. The simple yet flavorful ingredients make this dish a true celebration of traditional Italian cuisine. Buon Appetito!