When the scent of oranges and cinnamon begins to fill the air, it is the perfect time to prepare the "Pitta" della Madonna, a traditional Calabrian dessert that embodies the essence of festivities and family celebrations. This sweet treat, which requires particularly careful dough preparation to achieve a soft and smooth consistency, stands out for its rich filling of raisins and walnut kernels, ingredients that pair perfectly with the sweetness of the dough. The "Pitta" is usually made on special occasions, such as Sunday lunches or during holidays, when families gather around laden tables. Its generous shape and diameter of about 70 cm make it ideal for sharing, while its enveloping flavor delights the palates of both young and old. In Calabria, this dessert is a symbol of tradition and conviviality, a way to celebrate the art of local pastry-making and the bond with the land and its fruits.
* approximate values per serving
Prepare a dough ensuring it is soft and smooth. Then divide the dough into two pieces, one small and the other much larger. With the larger piece, form two sheets with a diameter of about 70 cm and not too thin. Once the sheets are ready, move on to the filling: grease one of the sheets with a drizzle of oil or cooked wine; sprinkle it with raisins, coarsely chopped walnuts, flavor with ground cinnamon, and finally sprinkle everything generously with sugar; now take the other sheet and place it on top of the first, then cut strips of dough being careful not to let the filling escape and form rosettes by rolling them. With the other piece of dough, form a sheet the diameter of the baking pan you want to use; grease the pan with oil. Arrange the filled rosettes side by side in the pan. Lift the entire edge of the sheet and ensure it adheres well around the rosettes, sprinkle with sugar and bake in a hot oven (200°). Preparation typical for the feast of the Madonna (May 8).
One of the tastiest variations of the traditional Madonna's pitta is the one that includes the addition of raisins and walnut kernels. This preparation enriches the sweet with natural sweetness and unmistakable crunchiness. To make it, after preparing the soft and smooth dough, one proceeds to roll out one of the sheets and sprinkle it with a veil of oil or cooked wine. Subsequently, the raisins and chopped walnut kernels are evenly distributed, flavoring everything with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. This combination of ingredients not only makes the pitta even more flavorful but also gives it an inviting and delicious appearance, perfect for holidays or a special snack.
Madonna's pitta is a typical dish from Calabria, a sweet that represents the culinary tradition of this region. Prepared according to the Calabrian recipe, the pitta stands out for its soft texture and rich filling. In this regional variant, the preparation involves the use of fresh and genuine ingredients, such as oranges and lemons, which give a unique fragrance to the sweet. The sheet is rolled out and filled with a mix of raisins, walnuts, and spices, creating a perfect balance between sweet and aromatic. The Calabrian Madonna's pitta is often prepared on special occasions and represents a symbol of conviviality and tradition, bringing the authentic flavors of southern Italy to the table.
For those who wish to enjoy Madonna's pitta in a lighter version, it can be prepared without lard, replacing it with extra virgin olive oil. This light variant maintains the flavor of the traditional sweet but with a reduced caloric intake. The preparation of the dough remains unchanged, but the use of oil makes the pitta lighter and more digestible. It is essential to pay attention to the amount of sugar used, so as not to compromise the sweetness of the dish. This light version is ideal for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up traditional sweets, allowing them to savor Madonna's pitta even on more frequent occasions.
Madonna's pitta, although a sweet, contains some ingredients that provide nutritional benefits. Raisins are rich in antioxidants and fiber, contributing to good digestion and energy supply. Walnut kernels, on the other hand, are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins, essential for heart health. The traditional preparation, which includes flour, eggs, and sugar, offers a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins, although it is best consumed in moderation. In terms of calories, a serving of Madonna's pitta can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the size of the slice. It is therefore advisable to enjoy it as an occasional sweet, to fully appreciate its flavors without exceeding in calories.
Yes, it is possible to freeze Madonna's pitta to preserve its freshness and flavor over time. To do this, it is advisable to cut it into slices and wrap it well in cling film or in an airtight container. This way, it prevents the sweet from absorbing foreign odors or flavors in the freezer. When you wish to enjoy it, simply remove the slices and let them thaw at room temperature. Alternatively, it can be lightly reheated in the oven to restore its original fragrance. This method of preservation is ideal for keeping Madonna's pitta available for special occasions, without having to prepare it from scratch each time.