Muhajir-inspired Schiacciata with Spiced Cracklings

Ingredients

In this Muhajir-inspired adaptation of Schiacciata, we incorporate Muhajir cuisine's distinct flavors and ingredients. The addition of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric infuses the dough with a warm and aromatic taste. Furthermore, we introduce ciccioli, spiced cracklings, which provide a unique texture and flavor to the flatbread. These adaptations create a fusion dish that combines the best of Italian and Muhajir cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Schiacciata con ciccioli, so you can check it out.

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast 7g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 250ml (1 cup) warm water 250ml (1 cup) warm water
• 3 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp olive oil
• 100g (3.5 oz) ciccioli (spiced cracklings), finely chopped 100g (3.5 oz) ciccioli (spiced cracklings), finely chopped
• Extra olive oil for brushing Extra olive oil for brushing
• Salt for sprinkling Salt for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder.
2. 2.
   Gradually add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and knead in the chopped ciccioli until evenly distributed.
7. 7.
   Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ciccioli — If you can't find ciccioli, you can substitute it with crispy bacon or pancetta for a similar texture and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the dough.
• Serve the schiacciata warm with a side of tangy tomato chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Leftover schiacciata can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Muhajir-inspired Schiacciata as an appetizer or alongside your favorite Muhajir-inspired main dishes. It pairs well with curries, kebabs, or even as a delicious accompaniment to a hearty lentil soup.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves on top of the schiacciata just before serving. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and make the dish even more visually appealing.