Quick Calabrian Cuzzupa
This version is perfect for those who want to bring the flavor of Calabrian Easter to the table without having to face overly complex doughs or long processing times. It is a homemade recipe passed down from generation to generation, winning everyone over with its simplicity.
Servings: 8 persone
Ingredients
- 5 nr eggs
- 250 gr sugar 100 g for the leavening starter + 150 g for the dough
- 1 kg 00 flour
- 1 bowl extra virgin olive oil
- 1 zest zest of 1 lemon
- 1 small glass liquor to taste Anise, Strega or others
- 1 cube fresh brewer's yeast or a packet of dry yeast
- q.b. lukewarm milk
Instructions
Prepare the leavening starter
- In a bowl, take 200 g of flour from the total and mix it with 100 g of sugar.
- Add the yeast dissolved in a little warm milk (if using dry yeast, mix it directly with the flour).
- Pour in more milk until a semi-liquid mixture is obtained and blend with a fork.
- Cover and let rise for about 1 hour in a warm place.
Prepare the main dough
- In a large bowl, sift 800 g of the remaining flour and make a well in the center. Add: the 5 eggs; the 150 g of sugar; lemon zest; liquor; oil, and finally the already activated leavening starter.
- Start kneading with your hands until you get a soft, homogeneous, and non-sticky dough. If needed, add a little more milk.
First rising
- Cover the dough and let it rise for a couple of hours until doubled in size.
Shape the cuzzuppe
- Rework the dough, shape the cuzzupa into the traditional forms (ring, braids, or with an egg in the center), and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let rise again until well puffed up.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 160–170°C. Before baking, brush each cuzzupa with beaten egg mixed with a little milk for a perfect golden finish.
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes, until nicely golden. Baking time may vary depending on shape and size.
Notes
Final Tips
- You can decorate the cuzzuppe with whole hard-boiled eggs and colored confetti, as tradition recommends.
- If you do not have liquor, you can substitute with orange juice.
- Store the cuzzuppe in a plastic food bag to keep them soft for 2–3 days.