Moddizzosu - Sardinian Stuffed Bread

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200g (7 oz) pecorino cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) pecorino cheese, grated
• 200g (7 oz) cooked ham, diced 200g (7 oz) cooked ham, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 60g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
6. 6.
   Add the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Remove from heat and let it cool.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. 8.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a rectangle.
9. 9.
   Spread half of the grated pecorino cheese on one rectangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with half of the filling mixture.
10. 10.
    Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the longer sides. Pinch the edges to seal.
11. 11.
    Repeat the same process with the second portion of dough and the remaining cheese and filling.
12. 12.
    Place both stuffed bread rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil.
13. 13.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
15. 15.
    Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of Sardinia!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pecorino cheese — For a more authentic flavor, use aged pecorino cheese. If unavailable, Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute.
• Ham — Choose a high-quality cooked ham for the best taste. Feel free to experiment with different types of cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, for a unique twist.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, brush the top of the bread with beaten egg before baking.
• Feel free to customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
• Serve Moddizzosu as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course with a side salad.
• Leftover Moddizzosu can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables or substitute with vegetarian deli slices.

Serving advice

Serve Moddizzosu warm, either as a standalone dish or accompanied by a fresh green salad. It can be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or as a main course for a light lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, slice the Moddizzosu into thick rounds and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color.