Savory Canestrelli with Grana Padano DOP
If you’re looking for a crispy, flavorful treat that will leave your guests asking for more, these Savory Canestrelli made with Grana Padano DOP are a perfect choice. With their delicate, crumbly texture and rich cheesy flavor, these little flower-shaped delights are ideal as an appetizer or a savory snack. The key ingredient, Grana Padano DOP, lends a distinctive taste that enhances the biscuits’ richness, making them irresistible. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Details
- Category: Appetizers (Antipasti)
- Yield: 40 pieces
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 2 hours
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Ingredients
For a batch of Savory Canestrelli with Grana Padano, you will need the following:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 35g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 200g |
| Potato starch (fecola) | 30g |
| Unsalted butter (cold) | 140g |
| Egg yolks | 70g |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Ground black pepper | A pinch |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated, for topping) | 15g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
To begin, bring a pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and cook for 9 minutes once the water begins to boil. After cooking, transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs, separating the yolks from the whites. Pass the yolks through a fine sieve or colander to create a fine powder. Set them aside for later.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cold butter (cut into small cubes), flour, and potato starch that has been sifted together. Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Next, add the egg yolks, grated Grana Padano DOP, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together and forms a crumbly, compact texture. You may also do this by hand if you prefer a more traditional approach.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead briefly to bring it together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Biscuits
Once the dough has chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to a thickness of about 8 mm. Use a 5 cm flower-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the canestrelli. For the center of each, use a small round cutter or the tip of a piping nozzle (about 10 mm in diameter) to create a hole in the middle of each biscuit.
Step 5: Bake the Canestrelli
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully arrange the cut canestrelli on the sheet. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining grated Grana Padano DOP for an extra cheesy touch.
Bake the canestrelli in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the canestrelli from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve these savory delights as an appetizer, snack, or part of an antipasti platter.
Nutrition Information (Per Piece)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
Pro Tips:
- Texture: The dough should feel crumbly when it’s ready. If it feels too soft, add a bit more flour or potato starch to get the right consistency.
- Cheese: You can experiment with other aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino if you prefer a different flavor, but Grana Padano DOP is the star here for its smooth and nutty profile.
- Storage: These can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge or freeze them for up to a month.
These Savory Canestrelli are a sophisticated yet simple addition to your appetizer repertoire. With the rich and nutty flavor of Grana Padano DOP in every bite, they’ll be the perfect start to any meal, or a delightful snack to accompany a glass of wine. Enjoy!
