Papassini Sardi – Traditional Sardinian Almond and Raisin Biscuits
If you’re looking for a delicious and traditional Italian treat, look no further than Papassini Sardi. These delightful biscuits, hailing from the sun-kissed island of Sardinia, are a perfect blend of tender dough, plump raisins, crunchy almonds, and a delicate almond essence. With a light, crisp texture and a sweet, glossy finish, they make an ideal companion for tea time or as a festive snack during the holiday season. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious Papassini Sardi!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour | 500g |
| Sugar | 200g |
| Lard | 200g |
| Raisins | 130g |
| Peeled Almonds | 130g |
| Eggs | 120g |
| Whole Milk | 80g |
| Baking Ammonia | 1g |
| Almond Extract | 2g |
| Powdered Sugar | 150g |
| Egg Whites | 80g |
| Colored Sprinkles | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Raisins
Start by soaking the raisins in water to plump them up. This will ensure they are soft and juicy when mixed into the dough. Set them aside to absorb the moisture while you move on to the next steps.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
In a skillet over medium heat, toast the peeled almonds until they become golden and fragrant. Be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and allow them to cool before setting them aside.
Step 3: Dissolve the Baking Ammonia
In a small bowl, add the baking ammonia to the warm milk and stir until completely dissolved. The baking ammonia will give the biscuits their light, airy texture.
Step 4: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour and sugar. Add the lard (which will make the biscuits wonderfully rich and tender), and start working the dough with your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then, crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the almond extract for that signature nutty flavor, followed by the milk-ammonia mixture. Incorporate the mixture well, ensuring the dough comes together smoothly. Finally, fold in the soaked raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Biscuits
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1 cm thick using a rolling pin.
Using a diamond-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the Papassini biscuits from the dough. Don’t worry about any leftover dough—simply knead the scraps back together, roll it out again, and cut out additional biscuits until all the dough is used up.
Step 7: Bake the Papassini
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cut-out biscuits on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the biscuits turn a golden brown.
Once baked, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Icing
While the biscuits are cooling, make the glossy icing. In a bowl, beat the egg whites and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick, white, and glossy. This icing should be smooth enough to spread over the biscuits.
Step 9: Ice the Biscuits
Once the biscuits are completely cool, use a spatula to spread the icing generously over the top of each one. Be sure to cover them evenly, creating a smooth, glossy surface.
Step 10: Add the Sprinkles
Before the icing sets, sprinkle each biscuit with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. This step adds a cheerful pop of color, making the Papassini Sardi even more inviting.
Step 11: Let the Icing Dry
Place the iced biscuits on a wire rack to let the icing dry completely. This will take around 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity in your kitchen.
Once the icing has dried, your Papassini Sardi are ready to be enjoyed! These sweet, almond-scented biscuits with their chewy raisins and colorful sprinkles are sure to be a hit with family and friends. They also store well in an airtight container, so you can enjoy them for days to come.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approx. 1 biscuit)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
Papassini Sardi are a wonderful way to bring a piece of Sardinian tradition into your kitchen. With their crisp texture, fragrant almond flavor, and sweet, glossy icing, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual tea breaks to more festive gatherings. Enjoy these delicious biscuits with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a true taste of Sardinia!
