Recipe
Cape Verdean Coconut Zaletti
Coconut Delight: Cape Verdean Twist on Italian Zaletti
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the tropical flavors of Cape Verde with this delightful twist on the classic Italian Zaletti. These Cape Verdean Coconut Zaletti are a perfect blend of Italian and Cape Verdean cuisines, combining the traditional cornmeal cookies with the rich and creamy taste of coconut.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
12-15 minutes
Total time
32-35 minutes
Yields
Makes approximately 20 cookies
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free cornmeal and flour)
Allergens
Milk (butter), Wheat (flour)
Not suitable for
Vegan (contains butter), Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein
Ingredients
In this Cape Verdean adaptation of Zaletti, the traditional Italian cornmeal cookies are infused with the flavors of Cape Verde. The addition of coconut and coconut milk gives a tropical twist to the original recipe, adding a rich and creamy taste to the cookies. This variation reflects the vibrant Cape Verdean cuisine and its love for coconut-based desserts. We alse have the original recipe for Zaletti, so you can check it out.
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1 cup (120g) cornmeal 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
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1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut milk
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1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened shredded coconut 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened shredded coconut
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1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
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Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
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Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal / 502 kJ
- Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
- Carbohydrates: 17g (Sugar: 6g)
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2.In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
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3.Add the melted butter, coconut milk, and shredded coconut to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
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4.Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
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5.Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand to create a disc shape.
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6.Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
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7.Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
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8.Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
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9.Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
- Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- If you prefer a stronger coconut flavor, you can increase the amount of shredded coconut to 1/2 cup.
- To make the cookies more festive, you can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top before baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving advice
Serve Cape Verdean Coconut Zaletti as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of Cape Verdean coffee or tea. They are perfect for afternoon tea parties, dessert platters, or as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of the day.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Cape Verdean Coconut Zaletti on a decorative plate or a wooden serving board. Dust them generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish the plate with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of additional shredded coconut.
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