Crescione: A Delightful Savory Pastry Filled with Seasonal Flavors
Crescione is a traditional Italian stuffed flatbread that brings together the savory essence of regional fillings like potatoes, sausage, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. This dish, ideal for a cozy meal, is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed as a snack or part of a main course. In this recipe, we take the classic crescione and infuse it with a combination of tasty fillings, making each bite an experience of delightful flavors. Let’s walk through the step-by-step preparation process and create a perfect crescione that will surely impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this savory Italian flatbread with three distinct fillings. For a delicious homemade crescione, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lard (Strutto) | 75g |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 500g |
| Baking soda (Bicarbonato) | 2g |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | 6g |
| Water (Acqua) | 200ml |
| Spinach (Spinaci) | 250g |
| Swiss chard (Bietole) | 250g |
| White onions (Cipolle bianche) | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 20g |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | 1 pinch |
| Black pepper (Pepe nero) | To taste |
| Potatoes (Patate) | 400g |
| Italian sausage (Luganega) | 200g |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | 1 pinch |
| Black pepper (Pepe nero) | To taste |
| Mozzarella cheese (Mozzarella) | 125g |
| Tomato sauce (Passata di pomodoro) | 200ml |
| Extra virgin olive oil (Olio extravergine d’oliva) | 20g |
| Oregano (Origano) | 1 tsp |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | 1 pinch |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by making the dough, which is similar to the one used for piadine (Italian flatbreads). In a bowl, dissolve the fine salt in warm water. Then, sift the all-purpose flour into a separate bowl. Add the lard (or substitute with olive oil) to the flour. Once the salt is fully dissolved in the water, gradually add it to the flour mixture along with the baking soda.
Knead the dough in the bowl for a minute or two before transferring it to a clean work surface. Continue kneading vigorously for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and homogeneous. Once the dough reaches a soft, elastic texture, shape it into a ball and place it back into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest while you prepare the fillings.
Step 2: Preparing the Fillings
For the Potato and Sausage Filling:
Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain and mash them in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, crumble the Italian sausage into the bowl and mix everything together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set this mixture aside and keep it warm.
For the Tomato and Mozzarella Filling:
Heat a bit of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and pour in the tomato passata (tomato sauce). Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly and enhance its flavor. While the sauce is simmering, slice the mozzarella cheese into thin rounds and let it sit on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. Prepare the mozzarella and keep it ready for assembling.
For the Herb Filling:
Finely chop the white onion and sauté it in a bit of olive oil until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, chop the spinach and Swiss chard. Add the greens to the pan and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano. Stir everything together and set aside.
Step 3: Assembling the Crescione
Once the dough has rested, divide it into 12 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 65g. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a small disc with a rolling pin, about 10 cm in diameter.
On each disc, add one of the three fillings. For the herb filling, spoon the sautéed greens and onions onto one half of the dough disc. For the tomato and mozzarella filling, place a few slices of mozzarella and a spoonful of tomato sauce on one side. For the potato and sausage filling, spoon the prepared mixture onto one half of the dough.
Step 4: Sealing and Cooking the Crescione
Once the fillings are placed, carefully fold the dough over to cover the fillings, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently to seal, ensuring the filling stays inside. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, giving the crescione a decorative touch and ensuring it is securely sealed.
Next, heat a crepe pan or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with olive oil. Place the crescione in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The crescione should have a slightly firm texture on the outside, with the filling fully cooked and hot inside.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Once the crescione are cooked, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, either as an appetizer or a hearty snack. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one crescione (based on standard ingredients and portion sizes):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Potassium | 350mg |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Tips for the Best Crescione:
- Dough texture: The dough should be soft and slightly elastic, so don’t be afraid to knead it well. The resting period allows the gluten to develop and the dough to become smoother.
- Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings based on what you have on hand. Add mushrooms, cheese, or roasted peppers to make it your own.
- Serving suggestions: Serve crescione with a side of marinara sauce or a light salad. They are great for picnics, casual meals, or even as a light dinner with a glass of white wine.
Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these crescione will be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. With the combination of tender dough and flavorful fillings, they are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
