Mpanatigghi: Sicilian Christmas Cookies with a Sweet Meat Filling
Overview:
Delve into the tradition of Sicilian Mpanatigghi, a delightful Christmas treat that blends a unique filling of ground beef, chocolate, and aromatic spices, enveloped in a delicate shortcrust pastry. These cookies are a beautiful example of Sicilian culinary heritage, offering a savory-sweet combination that is sure to surprise and delight. With a crisp texture on the outside and a rich, spiced filling inside, Mpanatigghi is a treat that makes any celebration a bit more special. Whether for the holidays or an elegant dessert spread, these cookies offer a distinctive taste of Sicily that will transport you to the Mediterranean with each bite.
This recipe yields 25 cookies and takes about an hour and a half to prepare and bake.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 500g |
| Lard (Strutto) | 180g |
| Sugar (Zucchero) | 180g |
| Eggs (Uova) | 55g |
| Egg yolks (Tuorli) | 15g |
| Marsala wine (Marsala) | 70g |
| Ammonia for baking (Ammoniaca per dolci) | 3g |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | 3g |
| Ground beef (Manzo) | 200g |
| Dark chocolate (Cioccolato) | 150g |
| Almond flour (Farina di mandorle) | 200g |
| Sugar (Zucchero) | 60g |
| Ground cinnamon (Cannella in polvere) | 1 pinch |
| Ground cloves (Chiodi di garofano macinati) | 1 pinch |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and lard. Using your hands, rub the lard into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the sugar, eggs, and egg yolks. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Gradually pour in the Marsala wine and add the ammonia and salt. Continue to mix until the dough comes together and forms a smooth, cohesive mass.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes to relax and chill.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- While the dough rests, prepare the filling. Grate the dark chocolate finely using a grater or a food processor to achieve a smooth texture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Once the dough has rested, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to a thickness of about 2-3 mm.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles. Make sure to re-roll the scraps until all the dough is used up.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Take a small amount of the filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Top the filling with some of the grated chocolate and almond flour mixture for added richness.
- Dampen the edges of the dough with a little water, then fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon or crescent shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the cookies.
- Use a fork to gently press around the edges of each cookie, both to further seal them and to create a decorative edge.
- With a sharp knife, make a small incision in the center of each cookie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Mpanatigghi
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let the Mpanatigghi cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Mpanatigghi as a delightful treat for Christmas, a family gathering, or simply as a special indulgence. These Sicilian cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine.
Storage:
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be frozen, ensuring they remain fresh for up to a month. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Pro Tip:
For an extra touch of authenticity, try using chocolate from Modica, a traditional Sicilian chocolate with a gritty texture, known for its distinct taste and rich flavor. It will elevate the flavor profile of your Mpanatigghi and give them an extra dose of Sicilian authenticity.
Enjoy the rich, sweet-spiced filling, the flaky pastry, and the beloved flavors of Sicily with these unforgettable Mpanatigghi.
