Umbrian Rocciata (Rocciata Umbra)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Rocciata Umbra is a traditional Italian dessert from the region of Umbria, known for its delicious and aromatic filling encased in a thin, tender pastry. This rustic dessert features a rich combination of apples, raisins, pine nuts, walnuts, and spices, giving it a unique flavor that’s both sweet and slightly spiced. The dough is simple, yet it comes together beautifully when rolled up with the fruit filling. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe will undoubtedly bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (all-purpose) | 250g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 50g |
| Water | 110g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Golden Apples | 400g |
| Sugar | 60g |
| Raisins | 60g |
| Pine Nuts | 80g |
| Walnuts (broken) | 50g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 15g |
| Ground Cinnamon | 10g |
| Rum | 90g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 |
| Alchermes (optional) | To taste |
| Powdered Sugar | For dusting |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by preparing the dough for the pastry. On a clean surface, place the flour and form a well in the center.
- Add the olive oil and a pinch of salt into the flour, gradually incorporating the water little by little to prevent lumps.
- Knead the mixture by hand, forming a smooth dough. Once the dough comes together, cover it with a cloth and set it aside to rest while you prepare the filling.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, soak the raisins in 60g of rum for at least 10 minutes.
- Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small cubes.
- Grate the zest of one lemon and add it to the apples along with the sugar, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, crushed walnuts, pine nuts, and the soaked raisins (drained of excess rum). Pour the remaining 30g of rum into the mixture, and stir everything well to combine.
-
Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough using a rolling pin until it’s very thin—almost paper-like.
- Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) from the edges.
-
Assemble the Rocciata:
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, making sure the filling is securely enclosed within.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, brush the top with a bit of Alchermes, an Italian liqueur, to give the pastry an extra touch of color and flavor.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the rocciata for about 40-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Once baked, remove the rocciata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your homemade Rocciata Umbra, an irresistible dessert that will surely impress your guests or be a sweet treat for any occasion. The combination of apples, nuts, spices, and a hint of rum makes each bite a delightful experience. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, this dessert brings a taste of Umbria to your home!
