Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll ~ La Rocciata

Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll ~ La Rocciata Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll, also known as La Rocciata, is a traditional Italian dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This delicious pastry is filled with a sweet and nutty mixture of apples, raisins, walnuts, and pine nuts, all wrapped up in a flaky dough. It is a delightful treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

La Rocciata has been a popular dessert in the Umbria region of Italy for centuries. It is often made during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and holidays. The combination of sweet apples and crunchy nuts wrapped in a buttery pastry has made this dessert a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp dry white wine
2 cup flour
0.25 cup sugar
pinch of salt
4 egg yolks
4 tbsp cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 green apples, peeled, cored and chopped (cut to about the same size as the raisins)
1 cup walnuts, chopped
0.25 cup sugar
0.5 cup golden raisins
0.25 cup pine nuts
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp sambuca, anisette or brandy
1 beaten egg

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix oil and wine.
In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the egg yolks one at a time and pulse. Add butter and pulse until it forms tiny pieces.
With the motor on, add oil and mix until a dough forms.
Turn out the dough onto a surface and knead for about 2 minutes until smooth, adding a little flour if needed.
Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F or 185°C.
In a bowl, toss together apples, nuts, sugar, raisins, spices, and liquor.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
Roll out each piece of dough between parchment paper to form 4 rectangles measuring 12x8 inches. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Return the dough to a lightly floured surface. Spoon a cup of the apple filling onto each rectangle, forming a thick stripe about 0.5 inch up from the edge. Roll up the pastry to enclose the filling, pressing the seams to seal. Transfer the rolls to a large cookie sheet, placing them seam sides down, and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
Bake until golden brown, approximately 35-40 minutes.
Serve warm and cut in half or into chunks.
La Rocciata Italy.

Variations

You can add dried cranberries or apricots to the filling for a different flavor.
Try using different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a unique twist.
Drizzle the pastry rolls with honey or caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out to ensure it is easy to work with.

- Be sure to seal the seams of the pastry rolls well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Brushing the tops of the pastry rolls with beaten egg before baking will give them a beautiful golden color.

- Serve the Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough between parchment paper makes it easier to handle and prevents sticking.

- Refrigerating the pastry rolls before baking helps them hold their shape and prevents them from unraveling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of extra virgin olive oil.

- If you don't have brandy, you can use rum or whiskey as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the pastry rolls with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll on a platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust the pastry rolls with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Riesling, for a perfect ending to your meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pastry rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F or 175°C for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Summary

Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll, or La Rocciata, is a delightful Italian dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its sweet apple and nut filling wrapped in a flaky pastry, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll, also known as La Rocciata. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a small village in Umbria, Italy. As I wandered through the cobblestone streets, I could smell the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the air.

I followed my nose to a quaint little bakery tucked away on a side street. The owner, a kind elderly woman named Nonna Rosa, was busy kneading dough and slicing apples for her famous apple roll. I watched in awe as she expertly rolled out the dough and layered it with thinly sliced apples, sugar, and cinnamon.

Nonna Rosa noticed me standing there, mesmerized by her baking skills, and she invited me into her kitchen. She explained that the recipe for La Rocciata had been passed down through generations in her family, and she was more than happy to share it with me.

As we worked together to prepare the apple roll, Nonna Rosa shared stories of her childhood in Umbria and the traditions that had been a mainstay in her family for years. She told me about the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and taking the time to savor each bite of the delicious treat.

After hours of kneading, rolling, and baking, the apple roll was finally ready. Nonna Rosa sliced into the warm, golden pastry and handed me a piece. As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time to my own childhood, when my own grandmother would bake pies and tarts for our family.

The flavors of the sweet apples, spicy cinnamon, and buttery pastry danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of taste that brought tears to my eyes. Nonna Rosa smiled at me, understanding the emotions that the simple dessert had stirred within me.

From that day on, I knew that the recipe for Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I returned to the bakery many times during my stay in Umbria, learning more about the traditions and customs of the region from Nonna Rosa.

When it was time for me to leave Italy and return home, Nonna Rosa gifted me with a handwritten copy of the recipe for La Rocciata. She told me to share it with my own family and pass it down through the generations, just as she had done with me.

And so, whenever I bake the Rustic Umbrian Apple Roll in my own kitchen, I am reminded of the warm summer day in Umbria, the kindness of Nonna Rosa, and the joy of discovering a new recipe that has now become a treasured tradition in my own family.