Pinza Triestina – A Traditional Trieste Sweet Bread
Pinza Triestina is a traditional Italian leavened sweet bread from the beautiful city of Trieste. Known for its delicate flavor and rich texture, it is perfect for special occasions or as a treat for your loved ones. This recipe guides you through creating a soft, buttery dough with hints of citrus zest that will fill your home with a delightful aroma. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields two delicious loaves. Let’s dive into the steps for crafting this delectable treat!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba flour | 100g |
| Water | 100g |
| Dry yeast | 16g |
| Sugar | 160g |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 300g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Egg yolks | 4 |
| Butter (softened) | 135g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Egg yolk (for glazing) | 1 |
| Whole milk | 20g |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the starter (lievitino): In a bowl, mix the sifted Manitoba flour and dry yeast. Add water and stir to combine until you form a slightly sticky dough. Cover and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, until it has doubled in size. |
| 2 | First dough preparation: Once the starter is ready, transfer it to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the egg and 200g of sifted all-purpose flour. Start mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together. Work the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 2 more hours to rise. |
| 3 | Prepare the second dough: After the first rise, add the egg yolks, the remaining 40g of sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest to the dough. Mix in the stand mixer until the dough is smooth and well-incorporated. |
| 4 | Incorporate butter: Gradually add the softened butter in small pieces, mixing continuously. The dough will become silky and smooth after all the butter has been absorbed. Continue to knead for another 5-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and soft. |
| 5 | Shape the dough: Once the dough is smooth and well-mixed, divide it into two equal portions. Using your hands, shape each portion into a tight ball. |
| 6 | Final rise: Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 2 hours, or until they have doubled in size. |
| 7 | Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining egg yolk and whole milk to create an egg wash. Gently brush the tops of the dough balls with this mixture for a glossy finish. |
| 8 | Bake the pinza: Place the dough balls into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. |
| 9 | Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the Pinza Triestina from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy this sweet, citrus-infused bread as a delightful breakfast, dessert, or snack. |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
Enjoy the fragrant and light texture of this traditional Trieste sweet bread! Perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings, Pinza Triestina brings a slice of Italian culture into your kitchen with every bite. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or sliced the next day, it’s sure to become a favorite treat in your household.
