Italian Recipes

Sardinian Zuppa Gallurese: Savory Bread and Cheese Bake

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Zuppa Gallurese
Category: First Course
Servings: 6

Zuppa Gallurese is a traditional Sardinian dish that combines the rich flavors of aged cheeses, savory meat broth, and hearty, rustic bread. Known for its delicious layers of melted cheese and tender bread soaked in broth, this comforting dish is a favorite in Sardinia, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Stale bread 270g
Pecorino Sardo (Sardinian sheep’s milk cheese) 260g
Casizolu (Sardinian cheese, or substitute with a similar firm cheese) 325g
Meat broth (beef or lamb) 1 liter
Black pepper To taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Begin by grating both the Pecorino Sardo and Casizolu cheeses. Set aside to ensure they’re ready to layer into your dish.

  2. Layer the dish: Choose a baking dish with high sides, ideally about 20×20 cm. Start by arranging slices of stale bread at the bottom of the dish, covering the surface evenly without leaving any gaps.

  3. Add the first layer of cheese: Once the bread is laid out, sprinkle a generous layer of the grated cheeses over the bread.

  4. Continue layering: Add another layer of bread slices on top of the cheese, followed by more grated cheese. Repeat this layering process until you have four layers in total—each with alternating bread and cheese.

  5. Add the broth: For the final layer, top the bread with meat broth. Pour the broth slowly over the top, using the tines of a fork to gently pierce the bread, allowing the liquid to be absorbed more effectively.

  6. Press and rest: Use the back of a spoon to gently press the bread layers down, ensuring they soak up the broth. Wait a couple of minutes for the bread to absorb the broth fully.

  7. Final cheese layer and seasoning: After the bread has absorbed the broth, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese on top of the dish. Add a final dusting of black pepper to taste for an extra kick of flavor.

  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 400°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a golden, crispy crust forms on top of the bread.

  9. Serve: Once done, remove the Zuppa Gallurese from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, and enjoy this warm, hearty dish!

This flavorful and satisfying Zuppa Gallurese brings the heart of Sardinia into your kitchen, offering a delightful combination of creamy, melty cheese and savory broth-soaked bread.

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