Welcome to the kitchen, Lykkers! Today, we delve into the world of Italian baking to discover the secrets of making Rosetta bread (ever heard of it?), a delightful and airy roll that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.

A one-in-a-kind bread that will make you fall in love, hard and crunchy outside but soft inside. Your new best friend for your next picnic or packed lunch!

Ingredients

To create this iconic bread, you will need:

- 500 grams (4 cups) of all-purpose flour

- 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) of warm water

- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) of salt

- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) of sugar

- 7 grams (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast

- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of olive oil

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3-4 hours (including resting and baking time)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Activate the Yeast:

Mix the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Add the yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

In a mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt. At the center add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Remember, if it's too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.

3. Knead the Dough:

Add flour to a surface and turn the dough onto it, then knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls:

Cut down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out to allow room for expansion. Cover them with a cotton cloth and let them rest again for about 30 minutes.

5. Bake the Rosetta:

Preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F). Before baking, you can create the characteristic “rose” shape by pressing a circular cutter or an apple corer into the center of each roll. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

6. Cool and Enjoy:

Let the rolls cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

Made at home and with simple ingredients, it is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy, and contains essential minerals from the yeast.

Olive oil adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.

Italian Feeling

To experience the true Italian feeling, here are a few fast and basic recipes for making the perfect Rosetta sandwich:

Classic Caprese Sandwich: Slice the Rosetta roll in half and fill it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Prosciutto and Arugula: Spread a thin layer of butter or olive oil on the roll, then add slices of prosciutto, fresh arugula, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutella Delight: For a sweet treat, simply spread Nutella on the inside of the roll and enjoy!

Making Rosetta bread at home is a rewarding experience that brings a piece of Italy to your kitchen (and to your stomach). With its unique shape and airy texture, it’s perfect for both savory and sweet fillings.

Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results.