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Holidays & Special Occasions

Colomba di Pasqua

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1 hr
Prep
45 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 500 g (4 cups) strong bread flour
  • 130 g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
  • 180 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, plus 2 egg yolks
  • 130 ml (1/2 cup) warm milk
  • 10 g (1 tbsp) instant dried yeast
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 100 g (2/3 cup) candied orange peel, chopped
  • For the glaze: 80 g (3/4 cup) ground almonds, 100 g (1/2 cup) caster sugar, 2 egg whites
  • 30 g (1/4 cup) whole blanched almonds, for topping
  • Pearl sugar, for topping
  • Colomba paper mould

Method

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a spoonful of sugar; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a stand mixer, combine flour, remaining sugar and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, egg yolks and orange zest; knead 10 minutes.
  3. Gradually add the softened butter, kneading until smooth and elastic.
  4. Fold in the candied orange peel by hand.
  5. Cover and prove in a warm place for 3-4 hours until roughly doubled.
  6. Shape and place the dough into the dove-shaped mould, dividing evenly between the wings and body.
  7. Cover and prove a further 3-4 hours, until risen near the top of the mould.
  8. Whisk the ground almonds, sugar and egg whites into a thick glaze; spread gently over the top of the dough.
  9. Scatter with whole almonds and pearl sugar.
  10. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 40-45 minutes until deep golden and a skewer comes out clean.
  11. Cool upright on a rack (colomba's flatter shape does not require upside-down cooling like panettone).

Introduction: Shaped like a dove (colomba) to symbolise peace, this Easter sweet bread shares panettone's rich, slow-fermented dough but is topped with a crackly almond glaze and pearl sugar.

Cultural Background: Shaped like a dove (colomba) to symbolise peace, this Easter sweet bread shares panettone's rich, slow-fermented dough but is topped with a crackly almond glaze and pearl sugar. Its dove shape is linked to several legendary origin stories tied to Lombardy, one involving a medieval king's peace treaty.

Tips: Spread the almond glaze gently so it doesn't deflate the risen dough. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly before the centre is baked through.

Variations: Colomba al cioccolato: add chocolate chips instead of candied peel. Vegan version: use plant-based butter, a flax or aquafaba egg substitute and a dairy-free glaze, though texture will differ from the traditional version.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 10 days.

Reheating: Not typically reheated; served as is, sometimes with a sweet wine.

Nutrition: Per serving: approx. 340 kcal, 7 g protein, 14 g fat, 47 g carbohydrate, 24 g sugar.

FAQs:

Q: Why is it shaped like a dove?

A: The dove symbolises peace and is tied to several regional legends from Lombardy, though no single story is confirmed as historical fact.

Q: Can I use a panettone mould instead?

A: A dedicated dove-shaped mould gives the traditional look, but the same dough can be baked in a round mould if unavailable.

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