Indulging in delectable pastries is an integral aspect of the Roman lifestyle. It is not uncommon to witness young ones mastering the art of Maritozzi, a quintessential Roman delicacy consisting of sugar buns. However, the only challenging aspect of preparing this delectable treat is keeping the little ones engaged while the dough rises to perfection. Here is how to prepare it.
Yields 12 buns
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 2 hours
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
3/4 cup whole milk
6 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs plus 1 yolk, beaten
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup raisins
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup pignoli nuts
For dredging:
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sugar
Procedure
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in three tablespoons of water. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Knead the dough for 5 minutes; it will be slightly spongy. Cover with plastic and let it rise for about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Punch the dough and remove it from the bowl. Take golf-ball-sized pieces and shape them into flattened ovals. Dredge each bun into the beaten egg, then roll in sugar. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Cooking Class with Chef Andrea Consoli
Learning how to cook like a proper Roman can take a lifetime. But chances are you’ll only be in the city for a few weeks, so why not get a crash course with Chef Andrea Consoli, who teaches cooking classes inside the Le Fate Restaurant in Rome? In five hours, you’ll prepare a four-course meal and take home skills you can undoubtedly build upon. (65€, At Le Fate Restaurant on Viale di Trastevere, 130, Mon–Sat, 10am; [email protected] )
