Canestrelli Biellesi with a Southeast Asian Twist

Ingredients

In this Southeast Asian adaptation, the traditional Italian Canestrelli Biellesi recipe is enhanced with the infusion of lemongrass, ginger, and cardamom. These Southeast Asian flavors add a refreshing and aromatic twist to the classic Italian shortbread cookies, creating a unique fusion of cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Canestrelli Biellesi, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 70g (½ cup) powdered sugar 70g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cardamom ½ tsp ground cardamom
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. 2.
   Add the bruised lemongrass, ground ginger, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. 4.
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ½ inch.
7. 7.
   Use a canestrello or any desired cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough.
8. 8.
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release its aromatic oils and flavors into the dough.

Tips & Tricks

• For a stronger lemongrass flavor, you can steep the bruised lemongrass in melted butter for a few minutes before adding it to the dough.
• If you don't have lemongrass, you can substitute it with lemongrass paste or lemongrass extract.
• Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to make the Canestrelli Biellesi more visually appealing.

Serving advice

Serve these Lemongrass-infused Canestrelli Biellesi as a delightful treat with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet ending to a Southeast Asian-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Canestrelli Biellesi on a beautiful platter and dust them with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting presentation. You can also garnish the platter with fresh lemongrass stalks or edible flowers to add a touch of Southeast Asian flair.