Sfogliatelle

These traditional Italian Sfogliatelle are a masterpiece of pastry craftsmanship, featuring hundreds of paper-thin, crispy layers that shatter delightfully with every bite. The dough is meticulously rolled and layered with shortening to create its signature shell-like structure, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet ricotta filling. Infused with aromatic candied orange and citron peel, the filling provides a bright, citrusy balance to the rich pastry. Perfect for festive holidays, Sunday brunches, or as an elegant end to a hearty meal, these pastries bring the authentic taste of Naples to your home kitchen.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 12

Calories: 1318.2

Dietary: Vegan

Description

These traditional Italian Sfogliatelle are a masterpiece of pastry craftsmanship, featuring hundreds of paper-thin, crispy layers that shatter delightfully with every bite. The dough is meticulously rolled and layered with shortening to create its signature shell-like structure, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet ricotta filling. Infused with aromatic candied orange and citron peel, the filling provides a bright, citrusy balance to the rich pastry. Perfect for festive holidays, Sunday brunches, or as an elegant end to a hearty meal, these pastries bring the authentic taste of Naples to your home kitchen.

Directions

1
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt.
2
Cut the solid shortening into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3
Gradually add the water, mixing until the dough holds together but remains firm, similar to egg noodle dough.
4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for several minutes until smooth, then form into a ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out very thinly into a rectangle measuring approximately 28 by 24 inches.
6
Trim the edges to ensure they are even, then cut the dough lengthwise into four strips, each measuring 28 by 6 inches.
7
Brush one strip generously with melted shortening, then layer the second strip on top and brush with more shortening.
8
Repeat this process with the third and fourth strips, ensuring each layer is separated by a generous coating of melted shortening.
9
Allow the stacked strips to cool for a few minutes so the shortening sets slightly, then carefully roll them up together tightly from the short end, like a jelly roll.
10
Wrap the roll in wax paper and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
11
Unwrap the roll and trim the ends evenly. Cut the roll into twelve 1/2-inch thick slices.
12
Place each slice on a floured surface. Gently place a rolling pin in the center and roll outward toward the left, then return to center and roll toward the right to flatten into an oval.
13
Roll again from center toward the top and bottom with single strokes, flattening the slice into a large, thin oval approximately 7.5 inches long.
14
Prepare the filling by draining ricotta cheese through cheesecloth until very dry, then beat with the eggs, flour, vanilla, and confectioners sugar until smooth.
15
Fold in the minced candied orange and citron peel.
16
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
17
Place a tablespoon of the ricotta filling on the lower half of each oval pastry.
18
Wet the edges of the dough with egg white, then fold the top half over the filling, pinching the narrow edges together to form a shell shape.
19
Seal the edges tightly to prevent leaking, then brush the tops with melted shortening.
20
Bake for 15 minutes, then quickly brush the shells with more melted shortening.
21
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 20 minutes.
22
Brush with shortening once more, then reduce heat to 250°F (120°C) and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
23
Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
24
Just before serving, dust generously with confectioners sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1318.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 76.8g119%
Saturated Fat 25.9g130%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 2441.1mg102%
Total Carbohydrate 136.8g46%
Dietary Fiber 4.9g20%
Sugars 0.5g
Protein 18.0g36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/sfogliatelle/