Ingredients

1 kg plain flour
50 g fresh yeast or 25 g dry yeast
500 ml warm water
1 teaspoon salt
115 g softened lard
200 g pork rinds , blanched and chopped
4 hard-boiled eggs , chopped
2 spicy sausage , cooked and cut into rounds
200 g fresh pecorino cheese or 200 g parmesan cheese
1 egg , beaten
Stuffed Focaccia or Pita Piena is a classic Italian dish that's been popular for generations. It's a delicious bread pastry that's filled with a combination of cheese, meat, eggs, and lard. Although the recipe has been adjusted over the years, the baked bread pastry remains the same. It's made by rolling out 2 pieces of dough, spreading the ingredients on top of the first, and then layering more cheese, sausage, and egg on top before being stuffed with the second layer. The result is a large stuffed pastry that's usually sliced into portions and served with a side salad.

Instructions

1.In a large mixing bowl, place the flour and a pinch of salt, mix through and create a well.
2.In a cup, mix the yeast with a little warm water and a sprinkle of sugar, let it froth for 5-10 mins and pour into the flour.
3.Gradually add water, mixing well until the dough becomes soft and smooth.
4.Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until it becomes elastic and no longer sticky.
5.Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth, letting it rise in a warm place for about one hour.
6.Preheat the oven to 220C and line a baking sheet.
7.Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces, roll out on a floured surface and place each one on a baking sheet.
8.Brush the surface of the dough with beaten egg leaving a little for the end and place the first layer of thinly sliced pecorino cheese (or grated parmesan cheese), chopped hard-boiled eggs, spicy pork rinds, and sliced cooked sausage on top.
9.Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg to help seal the edges.
10.Place the second layer of cheese, hard-boiled egg, pork, and sausage on top. Cover with the second layer of rolled dough, pinching the edges together to seal them well.
11.Brush the top with beaten egg.
12.Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 mins or until golden on top.

PROS

Stuffed Focaccia or Pita Piena makes for a great meal as it’s very filling and can feed groups easily.
It’s also full of flavors and can be customized depending on personal preferences.

CONS

This recipe contains a significant amount of lard and cheese, which can be high in fats and calories.
It’s recommended to be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular meal to avoid health issues.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While the recipe may contain several high-fat ingredients, the pecorino cheese used is a great source of protein and calcium. The presence of meat, cheese, and eggs, also ensure that this recipe is a good source of important minerals and vitamins. However, the recipe isn’t recommended for someone trying to manage their fat or cholesterol levels.

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