Apulian Easter: "Scarcella": History, Meaning, and Recipe

Among the most beloved and representative Easter specialties of Puglia, the "Scarcella" undoubtedly stands out. This typical dessert, symbolizing conviviality and tradition, embodies the authentic taste and artisanal mastery of Apulian cuisine.

Prepared with simple yet genuine ingredients, the Scarcella conquers the palates of both young and old alike.

The History and Meaning of Scarcella

The Scarcella is a dessert with varying shapes and names from area to area, but with one common characteristic: the hard-boiled egg, symbolizing rebirth and fertility, nestled in the shortcrust pastry. This detail is not just decorative but carries a profound spiritual significance: the release of the egg from its cage represents the Resurrection of Christ and victory over death, symbolizing the joy and hope of Easter.

The tradition of Scarcella dates back to ancient times when peasant families prepared this dessert as an integral part of Easter festivities. By sharing secrets passed down through generations, each family guarded its own recipe, enriching it with small details that made each Scarcella unique and special.

Recipe for Scarcella Pugliese

Ingredients:

500g of 00 flour 200g of sugar 2 whole eggs 100g of extra virgin olive oil Grated zest of 1 lemon 1 packet of baking powder A pinch of salt Colored sprinkles (for decoration) Hard-boiled eggs (for decoration)

Instructions:

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Immerse and cook the eggs for 5 minutes for decoration, then let them cool and set aside. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and baking powder. Then add the olive oil and eggs one at a time. Mix well with your hands or using a stand mixer until you get a smooth and homogeneous dough. Once the dough is smooth and homogeneous, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least half an hour. Divide the dough into smaller portions.

Roll out the first piece on a floured surface and use cookie cutters to shape it as desired (dove, bunny, bell, basket, or any shape you prefer). Alternatively, divide the dough into 3 smaller pieces and form cords about 20 cm long, braid them, and finally join the ends of the braid to form a ring. Place a hard-boiled egg in the center of each Scarcella and then cut strips of dough to cross over the egg, securing it well. Place the Scarcelle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with beaten egg white or a little milk, and add colored sprinkles. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, let them cool.

Preparing Scarcella is an opportunity to gather the family and share ancient traditions, thus transmitting the cultural and culinary heritage of Puglia to future generations.