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Torta al testo con verdure

Torta al testo: Umbria's thick griddle bread split and stuffed with garlicky greens

Torta al testo takes its name from the testo, a heavy round of stone or cast iron that Umbrian families heat over the fire; around Perugia, Gubbio and Foligno it's cooked for village festivals and quick weekday dinners alike. Unlike the thin, pliable piadina of Romagna, it is a thick disc, around 2 cm, raised with a little bicarbonate, with a crisp, freckled crust and a soft, bready middle that is split open like a pitta and stuffed. The favourite filling is wilted greens with garlic and chilli; sausage is common at sagre but has no place here. Chef's tip: prick the disc all over with a fork before cooking, so it rises evenly and doesn't balloon.
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
easy
Serves
4
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Ingredients

Serves4

For the bread

For the greens

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Method

0/8 done
  1. Step 1: Mix 1 ⅛ lb plain flour, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda and 1 ½ tsp salt, add 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water and 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and knead for 5 minutes into a smooth, fairly firm dough. Cover and rest for 10 minutes.

    10 min
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile boil 1 ¾ lb chicory, chard or turnip tops in salted water for 5–8 minutes until tender (chicory needs longer). Drain, squeeze dry and chop roughly.

    8 min
  3. Step 3: Warm 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil with 3 garlic cloves and ½ tsp dried chilli flakes in a wide pan over a medium-low heat for 2 minutes, add the greens and ½ tsp salt and fry for 5 minutes, stirring, until glossy and dry.

    7 min
  4. Step 4: Heat a testo, cast-iron griddle or heavy 28 cm frying pan over a medium heat for 5 minutes.

    5 min
  5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a disc about 2 cm thick and 26 cm wide. Prick it all over with a fork.

  6. Step 6: Cook for 6–8 minutes a side, turning a few times, until both faces are spotted dark brown and it sounds hollow when tapped. Common mistake: too high a heat; the crust chars before the thick middle cooks through.

    15 min
  7. Step 7: Rest for 2 minutes, then cut into 4 wedges and split each one horizontally with a bread knife.

  8. Step 8: Stuff generously with the warm greens and eat at once.

Nutrition per serving

Calories
560 kcal
Protein
14 g
Carbs
92 g
Fat
15 g
Fibre
8 g

Nutrition values are estimates.

K
Recipe by

KrazyBadal

All recipes by this chef →

Good to know

How long does torta al testo con verdure take?
About 45 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.
How many people does it serve?
4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
Is it vegan?
Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
What can I use instead of plain flour?
Self-raising flour, same amount (then leave out the baking powder).
What can I use instead of bicarbonate of soda?
Baking powder, three times the amount (the bake may taste slightly different).

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