Recipe for Paste di Meliga (Cornmeal Cookies)
Category: Desserts
Serves/Pieces: 50 cookies
Paste di Meliga, a delightful Italian cornmeal cookie, offers a perfect blend of buttery richness and a subtle vanilla and lemon flavor. This traditional treat is perfect for serving during tea time, family gatherings, or as a homemade gift for loved ones. Known for their crumbly, delicate texture, these cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful addition to your dessert table. Let’s walk you through a simple yet indulgent recipe that will help you create these irresistible cookies at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fine cornmeal (fioretto) | 125g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 250g |
| Sugar | 125g |
| Eggs | 1 whole |
| Egg yolks | 1 |
| Unsalted butter | 250g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Vanilla bean | 1 (seeds only) |
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
(Note: The following values are approximate and depend on ingredient specifics and portion size.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting together the fine cornmeal (fioretto) and all-purpose flour (00) into a large mixing bowl. Add a pinch of fine salt and the sugar, ensuring that all the dry ingredients are well incorporated. Then, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the flour mixture. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg yolk. Stir in the zest of one lemon, which will infuse the dough with a lovely citrus fragrance. You can also add the melted unsalted butter at this point. Be sure that the butter is slightly cooled before adding it to the mix to avoid cooking the eggs.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until a soft, smooth dough forms. The dough should be thick but manageable, with a slightly sticky consistency. If necessary, add a little extra flour to achieve the right texture.
Step 4: Pipe the Dough
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with butter, forming small rounds or logs about 2 inches in length. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the setting on static (top and bottom heat). Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown at the edges and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best served once they’ve cooled, as this allows their crumbly texture to set perfectly.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure that the butter is soft but not melted when you mix it into the dough. This will help achieve the right texture in the cookies.
- If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon zest.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a slight crunch.
- These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea.
Storage Recommendations:
Store your Paste di Meliga in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy these traditional Italian cornmeal cookies with a cup of tea, or gift them to friends and family to brighten their day. Their crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture and wonderful blend of flavors will make them a beloved treat for any occasion.
This recipe for Paste di Meliga captures the essence of Italian baking traditions, offering a delicious dessert that combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your day.
