Authentic Italian Zelten Fruit and Nut Cake Recipe

Zelten: A Traditional Italian Fruit and Nut Cake

Zelten is a delightful, traditional Italian fruit and nut cake, often prepared during the holidays or festive occasions. Its rich flavor profile comes from an incredible combination of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and a touch of honey, rum, and wine. While the process of making Zelten may take some time, the end result is a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Here’s how to make your own batch of Zelten, step-by-step.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Candied and Dried Fruits:
   Begin by preparing the essential ingredients: the candied fruits and dried fruits. Take the candied fruits (orange peel and citron) and chop them into small cubes. Set them aside in separate bowls, along with the zest of one orange and one lemon. Add the ground nutmeg and cinnamon to the bowls as well for the fragrance to begin to build.

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2. Soak the Dried Fruits:
   Now, take the dried fruits, including the sultana raisins, Malaga raisins (cut them in half), and dried figs (remove their hard stems and slice them into thin strips). Place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour two shots of rum over the fruit and gently stir to combine, ensuring that each piece of fruit absorbs the rum. Let the mixture sit and soak for about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the rum to infuse the fruit.

3. Melt the Honey and Wine:
   While the dried fruits soak in the rum, prepare the syrupy mixture. In a small saucepan, warm up the honey (70g) and white wine (50ml) over low heat until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm. Set it aside to cool slightly.

4. Add the Nuts and Spices:
   Once the dried fruits have absorbed the rum, add the chopped nuts: pine nuts, blanched almonds (cut into sticks), shelled hazelnuts (halved), and walnut halves. Stir to combine. Now add the grated orange and lemon zest to the mixture, along with the ground cloves, allspice, and a bit more cinnamon. Stir everything well to ensure the fruit and nut mixture is evenly coated with the spices.

5. Rest the Fruit and Nut Mixture:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re preparing this in advance, you can refrigerate it overnight for even deeper flavor infusion.

6. Activate the Yeast:
   In a separate small bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add one teaspoon of honey. Pour over 150ml of lukewarm water and stir gently. Allow the yeast to activate for about 10-15 minutes, or until you see foam forming on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.

7. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour and all-purpose flour. Add a pinch of salt, along with the ground cumin and ground anise, and mix them together. Now, pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture and start to knead the dough. Continue kneading until the dough becomes soft but not sticky, about 10 minutes. If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash of water.

8. Combine the Dough with the Fruit and Nut Mixture:
   Once the dough is kneaded, take the bowl with the fruit and nut mixture and pour the contents onto a floured surface. Place the dough on top of the fruit and nut mixture and gently fold the dough over the ingredients, working the mixture into the dough. Be careful not to overwork it, as you want to maintain the integrity of the fruit and nuts. Divide the dough into eight equal portions.

9. Shape the Zelten Cakes:
   Form each portion into small round or oval-shaped loaves, about the size of a small bread roll. Once shaped, place the loaves on a lined baking sheet. Decorate each loaf with extra dried fruit and candied fruit on top for a beautiful, festive presentation.

10. Let the Dough Rest:
    Cover the loaves with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rest for 30 minutes. This resting period will help the dough rise slightly and give the flavors more time to develop.

11. Bake the Zelten:
    Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) to 160°C (320°F). Once the oven is ready, place the loaves inside and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Cool and Store:
    After baking, remove the Zelten from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap each loaf in plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 to 15 days in a cool, dry place before consuming. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and enhances the richness of the cake.

Tips and Variations:

• Resting Time: While you can eat the Zelten as soon as it’s baked, it’s recommended to let it rest for at least 10-15 days for the best flavor. The cake becomes more aromatic and flavorful with time.

• Spices: You can adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and anise according to your personal taste. If you prefer a more intense spice profile, add a little extra cinnamon or allspice.

• Fruit and Nut Variations: The beauty of Zelten lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap out any of the dried fruits or nuts for your favorites. You can add dried apricots, cranberries, or other exotic dried fruits, and even substitute some of the nuts for pistachios or macadamias for a unique twist.

This traditional Italian treat brings together the flavors of nuts, dried fruits, spices, and a hint of sweetness. Zelten is perfect for festive gatherings, family celebrations, or any occasion where a rich, flavorful cake is desired. Make sure to plan ahead, as the resting time is crucial for enhancing the flavors. When ready, enjoy the chewy, nutty texture of this delightful treat that is sure to become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire!