Anello di Monaco - Italian Stuffed Ring Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 10g (2 tsp) salt 10g (2 tsp) salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) prosciutto, thinly sliced 100g (3.5 oz) prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) salami, thinly sliced 100g (3.5 oz) salami, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) mortadella, thinly sliced 100g (3.5 oz) mortadella, thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted and sliced 1 red bell pepper, roasted and sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, roasted and sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, roasted and sliced
• 1 zucchini, roasted and sliced 1 zucchini, roasted and sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 43g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. 3.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
5. 5.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 60cm (24 inches) in length.
6. 6.
   Twist the two ropes together, forming a ring shape. Pinch the ends together to seal.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and olive oil. Brush the garlic-infused oil over the surface of the bread.
8. 8.
   Layer the prosciutto, salami, mortadella, mozzarella, Parmesan, roasted bell peppers, roasted zucchini, fresh basil, and fresh parsley inside the ring-shaped bread.
9. 9.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Prosciutto — Make sure to choose a high-quality prosciutto that is thinly sliced for the best flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella cheese — Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the filling.
• Roasted vegetables — To roast the bell peppers and zucchini, simply place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh basil and parsley for a vibrant and aromatic touch to the filling.
• Garlic-infused oil — To infuse the oil with garlic, simply heat the minced garlic in olive oil over low heat for a few minutes, until fragrant. Strain the oil before brushing it onto the bread.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different fillings, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts, to customize the Anello di Monaco to your taste.
• Serve the bread warm for the best flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the cured meats and add more roasted vegetables and cheeses.
• For a festive touch, garnish the Anello di Monaco with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Serving advice

Anello di Monaco is best served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. Slice the bread into individual portions and serve it alongside a fresh salad or antipasto platter. It pairs well with a glass of Italian red wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the Anello di Monaco on a large serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs. The ring-shaped bread will be the centerpiece, surrounded by colorful side dishes and condiments.