Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella: A Sicilian Sweet Treat

Welcome, fellow food lovers, to yet another tantalizing journey into the world of Sicilian cuisine!
Today, our taste buds are in for a treat as we delve into a traditional dessert that has captured the hearts of Sicilians everywhere, but with a unique twist found only in the enchanting town of Montevago: puff pastry cassatella, fondly referred to as “cassateddi“.
Nestled in the heart of Montevago, a charming little town in the Belice Valley, lies a culinary tradition that has been enchanting palates for generations.
These puff pastry cassatelle are the epitome of local pastry artistry, boasting a delightful combination of a crispy, golden shell and a lusciously soft ricotta filling.
What sets these cassatelle apart is their double layer of puff pastry, adding an extra crunch to the equation.
Imagine biting into a heavenly morsel with a perfectly golden exterior, only to uncover a divine blend of ricotta, sugar, cinnamon, and hints of chocolate.
The dough is skillfully prepared and lovingly fried until it achieves a golden perfection that is absolutely irresistible.
Prepare to be bewitched by the Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella – a dessert that reveals itself as a symphony for the senses.
With every bite, your taste buds will embark on a delightful journey through layers of flavors and textures, transporting you straight to the charming streets of this picturesque village located in the Agrigento area.
This revered recipe has been handed down from generation to generation, a precious gem within the local culinary repertoire.
It exemplifies how tradition and creativity can intertwine to create something truly extraordinary.
So, whether you’re a dessert aficionado or simply seeking an authentic culinary experience, make sure to prioritize a visit to Montevago and indulge in the delectable Puff Pastry Cassatella – a culinary destination that promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Yields and Prep Times

• Serves: 8 people
• Prep Time: 40 minutes plus the dough resting time (1 hour)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Values per Serving of Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Proteins: 8-10 g
• Fat: 15-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
• Sugar: 15-20 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 500 g of flour
• 75 g of sugar
• 2 small glasses of Marsala wine
• 120 g of lard
• 1 egg yolk
• Cinnamon
• Grated lemon zest
• 10 g of salt
• Extra virgin olive oil for frying

For the filling:

• 500 g of sheep ricotta
• 150 g of sugar
• 100 g of chocolate chips
• Powdered cinnamon

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the dough by placing the sifted flour on a pastry board.
2. Add the salt, sugar, one-third of the diced lard, grated lemon zest, a pinch of cinnamon, and the egg yolk into the flour.
3. Start kneading the ingredients together.
4. Add the Marsala wine gradually while kneading, continuing until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough.
5. Roll it out and fold it three times, then let it rest in a cool place for an hour.
6. Meanwhile, drain the ricotta in a colander and keep it in the refrigerator.
7. Then, sift the ricotta and put it in a bowl.
8. Add the sugar and thoroughly mix the ingredients.
9. Add the chocolate chips and, if desired, a sprinkle of cinnamon, mixing everything together until you obtain a smooth ricotta cream.
10. After the resting period, take the dough and roll it into thin sheets using a fresh pasta maker by hand.
11. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining lard, then brush it onto each strip of pasta and wait for it to solidify, then roll up the strips one by one.
12. With a knife, cut small pieces from the roll of dough and knead them with your hands to obtain disks about 10/12 centimeters in diameter.
13. Place a spoonful of ricotta cream on one half of each disk.
14. Brush the edges of the disks with the remaining beaten egg whites.
15. Cover the ricotta cream with the other half of the disk, forming a half-moon shape.
16. Press the edges with your fingers and finish them with a fork or a pastry wheel, sealing the cassatelle.
17. Fry the pastries in plenty of hot oil until they become golden.
18. Turn the cassatelle over during frying to brown them evenly.
19. Drain them to remove the excess oil by placing them on absorbent paper.
20. Let them cool slightly and enjoy.

Wine Pairing

If you have decided to delight your taste buds with the Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella, we recommend enhancing this experience to the fullest with a glass of Marsala Fine Ambra Secco.
This precious wine, with its amber yellow color reminiscent of the warm Sicilian sunsets, is the perfect companion for these delicacies.
Its typical aroma anticipates a semi-dry taste that harmoniously combines with the sweetness of the ricotta and the intense chocolate of the cassatelle.
The ideal serving temperature for Marsala Fine Ambra Secco is generally between 8°C and 10°C (50°F), allowing the wine to fully express its aromatic nuances.
This freshness blends with the soft texture of the layered cassatelle, creating a symphony of flavors that will pleasantly surprise you.

How to Store Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella

1. Store in cool and dry place: After preparation, let the Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella cool completely at room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container or wrap them in food-grade plastic wrap. Make sure to choose a cool and dry place to store the pastries, away from heat sources and humidity.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the cassatelle for an extended period, you can freeze them. Arrange the cassatelle in a single layer on a tray and place them in the freezer until frozen. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the freezing date. The cassatelle can be kept in the freezer for several months.
3. Thawing and reheating: When you are ready to consume the Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella, thaw them slowly in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Once thawed, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness and serve them hot. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as it might make the pastry too soft.

Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella

And so, you have successfully completed the preparation of the Montevago Puff Pastry Cassatella, an authentic treasure of Sicilian cuisine.
These delicious sweets are the result of skilled culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation, and now they are ready to delight your senses.
Their layered and crispy shell hides a sweet and fragrant ricotta filling, enriched with the scent of lemon zest and a touch of cinnamon.
Each bite is a taste journey through Sicily, an explosion of authentic flavors that will captivate your palate.
These cassatelle are perfect for any occasion, from special celebrations to quiet evenings with family.
Share them with your loved ones and enjoy the love and passion that are put into each bite. Enjoy your meal!

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