Calabrian Taralli. Simple Spring Recipe. Taralli are a typical preparation from central southern Italy, available in all “sauces”, in all seasons; then there are some shapes and decorations that we find only for some holidays.
The Easter version is definitely one that deserves good visibility for the festive decorations made. Rich in sugar and colorful sprinkles, with many different shapes, from the classic ring, to shapes of: hens, chicks, lambs, or rabbits. You can get creative! It’s difficult to count how many recipes there are, surely at least one per town or family; some add candied fruit, some grated lemon, sugary glaze, sugar granules, or an egg wash to create elegant and shiny taralli.
In this version, I used a classic, with a sugary glaze, and sugar balls. I rarely use sprinkles, I prefer the balls as they seem prettier to me, but you can also use them.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 18 large taralli
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Easter Monday, Easter
Ingredients
Eggs, sugar, and flour…
- 8 cups flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup butter
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 packet baker's ammonia
- 2 lemon zest (Zest of two lemons or candied lemon or citron)
- to taste powdered sugar
- to taste lemon juice
- to taste water
- to taste colored sprinkles
Tools
A bowl for mixing, baking mats, piping bag for the glaze, baking tray.
- Bowls
- Baking Mats
- Piping Bags
- Baking Trays
Steps
Mix, knead, shape, and bake…
In a large bowl, place the flour, ammonia, and sugar; mix and add the rest of the ingredients. If you’re adding lemon zest, you can add it now; if you’re using candied fruits, I recommend adding them at the end to better knead the dough.
Now shape your taralli. I made both small and large ones. They will increase in size while baking, so space them out well. Bake in a preheated oven at a temperature of 375/390°F until fully cooked; it will take about 20 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare the glaze for decoration. The warmth of the tarallo will help it dry faster. Decorate with colored sprinkles and wait until they are cool to enjoy their goodness.
Finished Taralli. Also excellent to enjoy with a glass of white wine.
The glaze, delicious and white, gives a festive and spring-like appearance.
Store the taralli in paper bags at room temperature, but wait until they are cool to close them. They keep well for over a week. Great enjoyed on their own, in milk coffee, or with a glass of wine. If you prefer to avoid the glaze to reduce sugars, you can shine them by brushing with mixed milk and yolk. Delicious with almond flakes on top.
FAQ
Can I color the glaze?
It is possible to color the glaze with gel food coloring.
