The cuddura cu l'ova , a Sicilian recipe that is made at Easter , are a constant, almost a symbol of the anniversary that joins the more modern chocolate eggs . On the island, in fact, it is almost unthinkable not to taste or receive one as a gift from grandmothers or aunts. But what is hidden behind this preparation to which traditions and symbols that are lost over time are linked? Let's find out more.
Cuddura cu l'ova siciliani, history
The term cuddura derives from the Greek word κολλύρα (kollura) and indicates a small circular bread. The Sicilian cuddura derives from the peasant tradition. Its origins can be found in Byzantine Christianity. In the Catholic-Christian tradition, giving eggs was a beautiful gesture, a sign of the Resurrection of God.
How to make cudduri cu l'ova
The Sicilian recipe of cuddura cu l'ova presupposes the creation of a biscuit - which in its original version is made with lard and ammonia for sweets - modeled in such a way as to take on the appearance of the Easter symbols par excellence and to guard and hold a boiled egg . The cuddura deserves a nod, Sicilian donut-shaped bread that has nothing to do with these.
Cuddura cu l'ova, ingredients and recipe
The recipe for cuddura with ammonia can make one turn up one's nose, but it is essential to obtain the particular fragrance of the biscuit. However, nothing prevents you from replacing it with ½ sachet of baking powder for desserts. And the same thing goes for lard . If you don't like the idea of using it, replace it with the same amount of butter. Finally, for a cuddura cu l'ova without butter , use seed oil, but slightly decreasing the dose.
Ingredients
- ½ kg of 00 flour
- 150 g of granulated sugar
- 100 g of lard
- 1/2 sachet of ammonia
- 150 ml of warm milk
- zest of an orange
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 10 boiled eggs
- colorful candies
Preparation
- First, boil the eggs and let them cool.
- Prepare the dough by mixing the 2 fresh eggs with the milk, flour , sugar, lard, orange zest and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well, then add the ammonia
- Pour a little flour on a work surface and roll out the dough to about one centimeter thick.
- Cut it out obtaining the shapes you like and, with the leftovers, create long and narrow strips.
- Place a hard-boiled egg in the center of the biscuits and cross over two strips moistening the edges, which will be stuck well on the biscuit.
- Brush the surface with beaten egg and decorate with colored sugar balls. Bake in the oven at 200°C for 20-25 minutes.
Shapes of Easter cuddure
The possible Easter designs for cuddure are different, but they all symbolize the anniversary in some way. It can be bells, doves (hence the name aceddu cu l'ovu ) or baskets. Among the shapes of Easter cuddure there are also the heart, which was chosen by the girls to make cuddure to give to boyfriends and puppets cu l'ova.
Photo | Via Deliziandoblog.it
