Folded Flatbread With Ricotta & Fennel Seeds (Scacce Ragusane)

Yield: serves 4-6, as an appetizer or side

Ingredients:

Dough

• 3 cups (710 ml) durum wheat flour
• ¾ teaspoon (3.75 ml) salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

Filling

• 2.2 pounds (1 kg) fresh ricotta
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fennel seeds
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper

Method:

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add some of the water, then pour the olive oil into the water, and add the rest of the water, working it in with your free hand little by little as you do.

Once all the water is added, mix well with hands, working the dough until it forms a soft, smooth ball.

Set aside to rest in a bowl covered in plastic wrap for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).

In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, parsley, and fennel seeds.

When the dough has rested, divide in 2 equal parts. Dust one half with flour and roll out into a very large, very thin rectangular shape.

Use a rubber spatula to spread the ricotta mixture on the dough in an even layer, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Fold the long sides of the dough in towards the middle so that they slightly overlap in the centre, making a wide flat rectangle half the size of the first.

Over one half of the rectangle, spread another even layer of the ricotta, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border again.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Now take the short edges of the dough and fold over once to close, like a wallet, with the ricotta mixture inside.

Use your finger to run some water along the borders of the dough, then press down on the edges to secure the filling inside.

Repeat with remaining dough and filling to make a second layered folded flatbread.

Transfer the pockets to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush with a little olive oil and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden.

Remove from oven and let cool a little, then cut into pieces and serve.

Buon Appetito!