Savory Baba Recipe – Perfect for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a unique and indulgent twist on traditional savory pastries, this Savory Baba is sure to impress your guests. With its soft, fluffy texture and savory filling, it makes a delightful appetizer or a special dish for holiday meals, picnics, or casual get-togethers. This recipe blends rich ingredients like cured meats, cheeses, and herbs, creating a savory masterpiece that’s both delicious and visually stunning. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this savory baba, from the preparation of the dough to the final, golden-brown masterpiece.
Ingredients for Savory Baba
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba Flour | 160g |
| Whole Milk | 120ml |
| Active Dry Yeast | 4g |
| Manitoba Flour (Additional) | 400g |
| Butter | 150g |
| Fresh Cream (Liquid) | 100ml |
| Eggs | 400g |
| Cooked Ham | 150g |
| Salami | 150g |
| Provola Cheese | 150g |
| Gaeta Olives | 80g |
| Fontina Cheese | 100g |
| Pecorino Cheese | 40g |
| Fine Salt | 10g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fresh Rosemary | q.b. |
| Fresh Thyme | q.b. |
| Oregano | q.b. |
| Chives | q.b. |
| Butter (for greasing) | q.b. |
Instructions for Preparing Savory Baba
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Starter (Lievitino)
Begin by preparing the yeast starter, which will help give your baba its perfect rise. In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s slightly lukewarm. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk and stir gently to dissolve it completely. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast. If you prefer, you can use fresh yeast in place of the dry variety – for this, use 12g of fresh yeast.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
Once your yeast mixture is ready, sift the Manitoba flour (or all-purpose flour) into the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour in the yeast mixture and begin mixing. Start with a slow speed to incorporate the liquid into the flour. Gradually increase the speed to medium as the dough begins to come together.
Step 3: Add the Dairy
Slowly pour in the fresh cream, adding it little by little as the dough mixes. Continue mixing until the flour is fully absorbed and the dough is smooth. At this stage, attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and allow it to knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes. You’re aiming for a soft, elastic dough that should pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg and Butter
Once the dough has formed, it’s time to add in the eggs. Add the eggs one by one, allowing each to incorporate fully before adding the next. Be sure the eggs are at room temperature to avoid shocking the dough and affecting its texture.
Next, add the softened butter, one small piece at a time. Wait until each piece is fully absorbed before adding the next. Continue mixing until the butter is completely incorporated, and the dough becomes smooth and shiny. This process may take some time, but it’s essential to achieving the desired consistency.
Step 5: Season the Dough
At this stage, sprinkle in the sugar and salt. The sugar helps activate the yeast while the salt enhances the flavor of the dough. Mix until fully combined. Now, add in the grated Pecorino cheese, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Add the Fillings
Stop the mixer and add your savory fillings. Dice the provola cheese, fontina cheese, cooked ham, and salami into small cubes. Chop the Gaeta olives into pieces and add them to the bowl. Finely chop your fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chives, and mix them into the dough. Stir everything together gently by hand or using a spatula to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 7: First Rise
Lightly grease a 22-24 cm savarin pan with butter. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, pressing it down slightly to fit. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free area. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour. It should double in size and become light and airy.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for a conventional oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-assisted oven. Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the dough inside for baking.
Step 9: Baking the Savory Baba
Once the dough has risen sufficiently, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, depending on your oven type. In a conventional oven, bake for about 1 hour, while in a fan-assisted oven, bake for around 50-55 minutes. The baba should be golden brown on top and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 10: Cooling and Serving
When your savory baba is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Once it’s cool enough to handle, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. This savory treat is perfect for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or holiday feasts.
Tips and Variations
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Different Fillings: Feel free to adjust the fillings based on your preferences. You can substitute different cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, or add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bacon for extra flavor.
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Herb Choices: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can offer a fresh, vibrant twist, while sage or marjoram can add a more robust, savory depth.
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Make-Ahead Instructions: The dough can be prepared the day before. Allow it to rise in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the final rise and baking steps.
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Serving Suggestions: This savory baba pairs wonderfully with a variety of dips, such as a creamy garlic dip, olive tapenade, or a tangy mustard sauce. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or use it as a centerpiece at a brunch table.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Calcium | 250mg |
This savory baba is a delightful and filling dish that combines rich flavors and a light, airy texture. It’s an excellent addition to any occasion, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing this unique savory treat with your loved ones!
