The preparation of seadas is a ritual that is tinged with sweetness and tradition, perfect for celebrating special moments in life in Sardinia. These delicious pastries, with their thin crispy shell, enclose a tasty filling of Sardinian fiore cheese, enriched by the aroma of citrus fruits, particularly oranges and lemons, which provide freshness and an unmistakable fragrance. The cooking technique, which involves frying in extra virgin olive oil, enhances the crispness of the dough, while the heat envelops the filling, transforming it into a true delight for the palate. Seadas are a symbol of Sardinian cuisine and are often prepared on festive occasions or during family lunches, when people gather around a laden table to savor the delights of tradition. Although the recipe may vary slightly from one town to another on the island, with some variations including the addition of honey or powdered sugar, the essence remains the same: a sweet that encapsulates the essence of Sardinia, made from simple yet flavorful ingredients. In autumn, when the citrus fruits are at their peak freshness, seadas become a true attraction, perfect to serve as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet to share on a festive afternoon. Their texture, which transitions from crunchy to soft, and the contrast between the intense flavor of the cheese and the sweetness of the citrus, make them a unique culinary experience, capable of captivating even the most discerning palates.
* approximate values per serving
In a bowl, combine the grated cheese, the grated citrus zest, and the "fil'e ferru" and knead until a soft mixture is obtained. Prepare the flour on a work surface and begin kneading with hot water, gradually adding the lard. When the dough is very elastic, roll out a thin sheet from which to cut discs of about 12 cm in diameter. On half of them, place a tablespoon of the filling, cover with the other half, press well to ensure no air remains inside, and finish with a pastry wheel. Immerse the discs in plenty of hot oil, fry them, drain well, cover them with warmed honey, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve hot.
A delicious variant of seadas includes the addition of citrus zest in the filling, which gives a fresh and fragrant touch to the dish. To prepare this version, simply grate the zest of oranges and lemons to mix with the fiore sardo cheese and "fil'e ferru". This combination not only enriches the flavor of the seadas but also makes each bite an explosion of citrus freshness. The citrus-filled seadas are perfect for those who love intense and refined flavors and can be served both as a dessert and as a sweet treat to enjoy at any time of the day. The preparation remains substantially unchanged, thus ensuring the typical crunchy texture of the pastry and the softness of the filling. Try them dusted with powdered sugar for a final touch.
Seadas represent a typical dessert of Sardinian tradition, and their preparation follows ancient recipes passed down from generation to generation. In this traditional variant, the filling is mainly composed of fiore sardo cheese and "fil'e ferru", without the addition of modern ingredients. The pastry, made with "00" flour and lard, is rolled out thinly and filled with the cheese mixture, then fried in abundant extra virgin olive oil. The result is a dessert with an authentic flavor that preserves the richness of island culinary traditions. Served hot and dusted with sugar, these seadas are a true homage to Sardinian gastronomy and can be enjoyed during holidays or special occasions, bringing a piece of history and culinary culture to the table.
For those who desire a lighter version of seadas, it is possible to substitute fiore sardo cheese with low-fat ricotta. This light variant still maintains the goodness of the dessert but reduces the caloric content, making the dish more suitable for those on a diet or looking to limit fats. To prepare the light seadas, one can use a dough made from "00" flour and water, avoiding lard, or substitute it with a light vegetable oil. The ricotta filling can be flavored with lemon or orange zest for a touch of freshness. Even though this version is lighter, the final result will always be a delicious and satisfying dessert, perfect to serve as a dessert after a meal or as a snack during the day.
Seadas, while being a fried dessert, can offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Fiore sardo cheese, for example, is rich in protein and calcium, essential for bone health and muscle growth. Additionally, the extra virgin olive oil used for frying provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for the heart. However, it is important to keep in mind that a serving of seadas can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. For those who wish to enjoy this dessert, it is advisable to do so in moderation, perhaps pairing it with a balanced diet and regular physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Seadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you wish to keep the seadas for a longer period, they can be frozen. Before freezing, it is advisable to let them cool completely and then arrange them on a tray so that they do not stick together. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag and stored in the freezer. To enjoy them, simply fry them directly from frozen without thawing, slightly increasing the cooking time. This way, you will always have delicious seadas ready to enjoy at any time!