Salt crown
Savory Crown
If you are looking for a delicious and appealing recipe that will brighten up festive tables or simply bring a festive air to ordinary days, the savory crown is the perfect choice. This delicacy, aromatic and fluffy, will surely become your family's favorite. With a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients, the crown can be customized to suit your tastes and will definitely impress any guest.
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10
Ingredients for the dough:
- 400 g wheat flour (preferably type 550, for a finer texture)
- 150 ml warm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 50 g butter (melted, but not hot)
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 3 egg yolks (from fresh eggs, for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 10 slices of kaiser (or another type of cold cut, preferably smoked for an intense flavor)
- 10 slices of toast ham (or any other preferred ham)
- Grated cheese (about 150-200 g, to taste)
Preparation steps:
1. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast to the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. If using dry yeast, you can skip this step, as it will activate directly in the flour.
2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour and salt, mixing well. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast, egg yolks, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Kneading the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This is the time to add a little olive oil for extra flavor.
4. Letting it rise
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. A good method is to leave it in the turned-off oven with the light on.
5. Preparing the filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Cut the kaiser and ham slices into smaller pieces, making them easy to distribute over the dough sheet. Grate the cheese and place it in a bowl.
6. Rolling out the dough
Once the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Brush it evenly with melted butter, leaving a few centimeters free at the edges.
7. Adding the filling
Evenly distribute the slices of kaiser and ham over the entire surface of the dough, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Here you can also add spices or herbs, such as oregano or dill, for extra flavor.
8. Rolling the dough
Start rolling the dough from one edge, making sure to tighten it well so it doesn't unroll during baking. Once finished, press the edges with damp fingers to seal them.
9. Shaping the crown
In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, place the roll in a circular shape, joining the ends. Before letting it rise again, make shallow cuts on the surface of the roll, being careful not to reach the bottom – this will help with even baking.
10. Second rising
Cover the crown with a damp towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes, until it doubles in size. At this stage, preheat the oven to 180°C.
11. Glazing and baking
After it has risen, brush the crown with a beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and, if desired, a little cumin for extra flavor (it's a personal trick I love). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
12. Serving
Once the crown is baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. You can serve the savory crown alongside a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.
Practical tips:
- Always check the expiration date of the yeast; fresh yeast is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.
- If you want to add even more flavors, you can include olives or diced bell peppers in the filling.
- The crown keeps well at room temperature, but to keep it fresh, wrap it in a clean towel.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in carbohydrates from the flour, protein from the eggs and meat, and calcium from the cheese, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s ideal for a family brunch or as an appetizer at a party.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, but you will need to adjust the quantity and add it directly to the flour.
- Can I add vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! Mushrooms or sautéed spinach are excellent options.
- How can I keep the crown from drying out? You can wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container.
The savory crown is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors and textures!
Ingredients: 400 g flour, 150 ml milk, 50 g butter, 20 g fresh yeast, 3 egg yolks, 1 tsp salt. Filling: 10 slices of kaiser bread + 10 slices of toast ham + grated cheese (to taste).
