The Neapolitan Dessert Spice Mix is a warm and pungent blend of ground spices used in many traditional desserts from the Campania region, especially Christmas ones like roccocò, mostaccioli, sapidi, and susamielli. The essential spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Optionally, coriander seeds, pepper, and star anise can be added. The use of pisto has ancient roots in the city’s history when Naples was a strategic port for spice trading from the East. This spice combination not only adds flavor but also gives the Christmas cookies that brown color and unmistakable aroma that immediately evokes the festive table atmosphere. Although it is now easily available in ready-made packets in Campanian groceries, making it at home following the original recipe is quite easy. Prepare a grinder or mortar and make it with me . . .
More traditional Christmas dessert recipes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 3
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Regional Italian
- Region: Campania
- Seasonality: Christmas
- Energy 31.34 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 7.05 (g) of which sugars 0.18 (g)
- Proteins 0.71 (g)
- Fat 1.03 (g) of which saturated 0.51 (g)of which unsaturated 0.33 (g)
- Fibers 4.03 (g)
- Sodium 3.29 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 10 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1.06 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 0.18 oz pepper
- 0.18 oz ground nutmeg
- 0.07 oz ground cloves
- 0.07 oz star anise
- 0.07 oz coriander seeds
With these quantities, I made 3 batches of Roccocò
For each 8.8 oz of flour batch, I used 0.35 oz of Spice Mix
Tools
- Kitchen Scale
- Grinder
Steps
Crush all the spices in a mortar or use an electric grinder until they are reduced to a very fine powder. To release the essential oils fully, lightly toast the mix in a well-heated pan for a few seconds, being careful not to burn it. Store the cooled spice mix in an airtight glass jar, away from heat and light, to preserve its fragrance.
Spice Mix Storage
The spice mix should be stored in a cool place in a glass jar with an airtight seal. Avoid plastic containers, which can absorb the aromas or let them dissipate more quickly.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
For which recipes is the Spice Mix used?
The Spice Mix is used in the preparation of desserts like Neapolitan Mostaccioli, Roccocò, and Susamielli
How long can the spice mix be stored?
If stored properly, the spice mix retains its intense aroma for several months (up to 6-12 months), but the maximum fragrance is experienced in the first 2-3 months after grinding.
