Description
Scaccia Ragusana is a traditional Sicilian stuffed bread made from a thin, folded dough filled with tomatoes, fresh basil, and a blend of cheeses like caciocavallo or provolone, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water
- 2 cups durum wheat semolina flour
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sauce
- All-purpose flour for dusting
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 8 oz caciocavallo cheese, thinly sliced or grated (or mild provolone, or half provolone and half pecorino Romano)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon sugar and yeast in lukewarm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine semolina flour, remaining sugar, salt, and olive oil. Add yeast mixture and knead into a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until slightly thickened. Season with salt and stir in chopped basil. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into a thin rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread tomato-basil mixture over the dough, leaving a border around edges. Layer with cheese slices.
- Fold the dough over itself to create layers, pressing edges to seal.
- Brush top with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a very thin layer of filling to prevent soggy bread.
- Durum wheat semolina gives the dough a slightly chewy, rustic texture.
- Cheese choice can be adapted to preference.
- Serve warm or at room temperature; pairs well with a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg