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Piadina Sammarinese

The Quirky Foodster Team

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8
Servings

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour — 500 g (4 cups)
  • Baking soda — 1 tsp
  • Salt — 2 tsp
  • Lard or butter, softened — 80 g (1/3 cup)
  • Warm water — 250 ml (1 cup)

Method

  1. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
  2. Rub in the lard or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the warm water, mixing to form a smooth, firm dough.
  4. Knead for 5-8 minutes until elastic, then rest covered for 30 minutes.
  5. Divide into 6 pieces and roll each into a thin round about 3 mm thick.
  6. Cook each piadina on a hot dry griddle for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned with small blisters.
  7. Fill with your choice of savoury or sweet fillings and serve warm.

Introduction: The classic thin, unleavened flatbread of San Marino, cooked on a hot griddle and eaten with countless fillings.

Cultural Background: Piadina is the everyday bread of San Marino, made without yeast and cooked quickly on a hot griddle, versatile enough to be filled with anything from cured meats and cheese to sweet spreads.

Tips: Rest the dough fully before rolling for the best texture and easiest handling. Cook on a dry, ungreased surface, as the fat in the dough provides enough richness.

Variations: Add a little chopped fresh rosemary to the dough for a herbed version; use olive oil instead of lard for a lighter, dairy-free dough.

Storage: Store uncooked dough wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; cooked piadina keeps in an airtight container for 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat cooked piadina briefly on a dry griddle or in a dry pan for a few seconds per side.

Nutrition: Approx. 260 kcal, 5 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat per piadina.

FAQs:

Q: Can piadina be made without lard?

A: Yes, olive oil or butter can be used instead, though the texture will be slightly different from the traditional version.

Q: What fillings work best?

A: Nearly anything — cured meats, cheeses, grilled vegetables, or sweet spreads like jam or hazelnut cream.