This is an original recipe: we invented it so as to inspire conviviality at family events and anniversaries. Who doesn’t like bread-based recipes such as pizza and focaccia? Those mouth-watering dishes that make a party, and which disappear in a second! We called it ‘flower bread’ because it is a very soft and light bread made with a dough stuffed with delicious ingredients which open, petal by petal, just like a flower. It’s an irresistible filling that reveals itself and all its goodness, all at once!
* approximate values per serving
Mix all the ingredients together well: flour, milk, eggs, oil, yeast, sugar and salt. Cover with a cloth and put in a warm place to rise. If the house is very cold you could heat the oven to 30° and leave it to rise there. Meanwhile clean and grill your vegetables. When the dough has doubled in volume, divide it into four parts from you roll out 4 pastry circles. Then fill the first circle with peppers, cover with the second disc which you fill with ham, then cover with the third circle which you fill with courgettes and then finally cover with the fourth disc. Then take a sharp knife and cut segments from the heart of the flower bread without reaching the outer edge: stop 3 or 4 cm from the edge. Next, gently take the inner tips and fold them back on themselves towards the outer edge: take care to lift all layers together and keep the filling inside. Fill the middle of the tart with another small pastry circle topped with plenty of diced, grilled veg. Bake at 200°C in fan mode for 20 minutes. You will get a luscious and soft flower-shaped bread: serve to your guests in wedges, ideal as a centrepiece at family celebrations.
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Prepare the dough and leave to rise
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The dough is ready when it has doubled in volume
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Prepare a plate of grilled veg
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Divide the dough into four
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Take a first circle of pastry and fill with peppers
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Take a second disc, place on top of the first and fill with ham
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Tale the third disc, place it on top and fill with courgettes
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Cover with the fourth disc of pastry. Cut some slits from the centre nearly as far as the edge
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Fold over the segments back on themselves towards the outside, taking care to fold all the layers
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With the leftover pastry dough, make a little disc to fill in the centre
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Fil this central portion of the bread with diced, grilled veg
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Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes in a fan oven
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A delicious variant of Panfiore is the one that includes grilled peppers and zucchini. This preparation not only enriches the flavor of the dish but also offers a combination of vibrant colors that makes the Panfiore even more appetizing. To make it, simply follow the basic recipe, but before filling the dough discs, it is essential to grill the vegetables. Red peppers, sweet and juicy, along with zucchini, provide a note of freshness and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft base of the Panfiore. This dish can become an excellent appetizer or a light main course, ideal for summer dinners and special occasions.
The Tuscan Panfiore stands out for its use of cooked ham as a filling. This regional variant enhances the typical flavors of Tuscan culinary tradition, where ham is a beloved ingredient. To prepare it, after allowing the dough to rise, slices of cooked ham can be added between the layers of dough. This gives the Panfiore a rich and enveloping flavor, perfect for those who enjoy hearty dishes. The different textures of the grilled vegetables and the ham create a balance of flavors that makes each bite a true pleasure. Served warm, this dish is also ideal for a festive lunch or a dinner with friends.
For those looking for a lighter version of Panfiore, it can be made using alternative ingredients. By substituting "00" flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, and reducing the amount of oil and sugar, a light Panfiore is achieved, perfect for those following a more careful diet. Additionally, various vegetables can be used for the filling, such as spinach or eggplant, to keep the caloric intake low without sacrificing flavor. This version is ideal for those who want to enjoy a traditional dish without overindulging in calories while still satisfying the pleasure of a good meal. It is an excellent choice for those mindful of their diet but who do not want to give up the joy of dining.
Panfiore, thanks to its simple and genuine ingredients, offers several nutritional benefits. The flour provides carbohydrates, essential for energy, while the grilled vegetables supply vitamins and minerals vital for our bodies. Peppers, for example, are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while zucchini is an excellent source of fiber. Cooked ham, although caloric, provides high-quality protein. On average, a serving of Panfiore can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. This makes it a nutritious yet moderate dish, perfect for a balanced meal.
The answer is yes, Panfiore can be frozen! To best preserve the freshness and texture of the dish, it is advisable to freeze it after cooking, but only when it is completely cooled. It is better to cut it into slices or portions before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it in plastic wrap. This way, freezer burn is avoided, and the original flavor is maintained. When you want to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave. This method is ideal for always having a tasty dish ready to use, perfect for last-minute dinners or a quick lunch.