Saint Petronius Bread (Bolognese Recipe)
Ingredients: 500 g flour, salt, 1 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon of honey or sugar to dissolve the yeast, 25 g yeast - I only used half the amount of a walnut, butter, 1 cup of sour cream (the kind used for whipping cream), milk as needed (I used about 200-250 ml), prosciutto crudo (or other ham) 80-100 g grated parmesan 50 g
To prepare a delicious dough, we start by mixing the basic ingredients. In a large bowl, we combine flour, warm water, yeast, and a pinch of salt. It is important to use warm water, as it activates the yeast and helps achieve a fluffy texture. We mix well until we obtain a homogeneous dough, then cover it with a clean towel or napkin and let it rise for about an hour. Some people prefer to place the dough in a warm oven, where the constant temperature stimulates fermentation, but it is essential not to exceed the rising time.
Once the dough has risen beautifully, almost doubling its initial volume, we prepare to shape it. We roll out the dough on a clean surface, being careful not to make it too thin, so as not to risk destroying the formed air bubbles. I prefer to stretch the edges of the dough with my hands, as this keeps the airy structure intact. After rolling it out to a thickness of about 2 cm, we generously sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan over the entire surface. Then, we add a layer of ham, which we can adjust according to everyone’s preferences. We continue with the rest of the Parmesan or, alternatively, with another type of grated cheese.
We carefully roll the dough, forming a log, making sure not to compress the filling. We place the log in a greased baking tray, and if we want to achieve a ring shape, we grease the edges to join them. It is important to make a few cuts with a knife or scissors, so that air can circulate and contribute to the rise of the roll. After completing this step, we let the dough rise again, according to the instructions in the recipe, but depending on the type of yeast used, we may need to adjust the time.
Once the roll has risen again, it is time to bake it. We preheat the oven and, for the first few minutes, set the temperature to a higher heat to help the dough rise even more. Then, we reduce the temperature to medium heat, similar to the process of baking regular bread. A suggestion from the original recipe is to brush the roll with a few pieces of butter before putting it in the oven, to achieve a golden and flavorful crust.
We eagerly wait to see how it bakes, and the aroma that will spread throughout the house will make us feel pampered. When it is ready, we let the roll cool slightly before cutting it, so that we can savor each fluffy and flavorful slice. This recipe will not only satisfy our taste buds but will also bring a touch of joy to every meal.
