Piadina Romagnola, a traditional Italian flatbread from the Emilia-Romagna region, offers a delightful culinary experience. This versatile bread is cherished for its simple ingredients and rich history. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with savory or sweet ingredients, Piadina Romagnola brings a taste of Italy to your table. Its authenticity and flavor make it a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.

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Why You Will Love the Piadina Romagnola Recipe

Piadina Romagnola is a delightful flatbread that combines simplicity with flavor.

Authentic Italian Taste: Experience the traditional flavors of Italy with every bite.
Versatile: Enjoy it with a variety of fillings, including cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it accessible for home cooks.
Customizable: Adjust thickness and fillings to suit personal preferences.
Cultural Connection: Connect with the rich culinary heritage of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Ingredients You Will Need

To prepare Piadina Romagnola, gather the following ingredients:

500g (1 lb) 00 or all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
5g (1/2 teaspoon) baking powder
100g (3½ oz) lard or olive oil
250ml (1 cup) water, or as needed.

How to Make Piadina Romagnola

Creating Piadina Romagnola involves a few simple steps:

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the lard (or olive oil) and mix until the fat is well incorporated, resembling a pebbly sand texture. Gradually add water to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.

2. Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a thick towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out.

3. Divide and Roll

After resting, divide the dough into 6–10 equal portions, depending on the desired size. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a thin disc, approximately 2–3 mm thick.

4. Cook the Piadina

Heat a flat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place each disc onto the hot surface and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown spots appear on the surface. If the dough puffs up, gently press it down with a spatula.

5. Serve Warm

Once cooked, remove the piadina from the griddle and keep warm. Serve immediately with your choice of fillings or enjoy plain with a drizzle of olive oil.

Piadina Romagnola

Piadina Romagnola is a classic Italian flatbread from the Emilia-Romagna region, loved for its thin, soft texture and simple flavor. Made without yeast, it's traditionally cooked on a hot griddle and filled with savory ingredients like prosciutto and cheese. Perfect as a quick meal, street food, or appetizer, it’s a rustic staple with endless possibilities.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Rising Time 30

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 10 Flat Breads

Course: bread, Snack, Street Food

Cuisine: Italian (Emilia-Romagna)

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

500 g 1 lb 00 flour or all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
5 g ½ tsp baking powder
100 g 3½ oz lard or olive oil
250 ml 1 cup water, or as needed

Method

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add lard or oil and blend until the texture is sandy. Gradually add water and knead into a soft, elastic dough.
Cover with plastic wrap or towel and let rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Divide dough into 6–10 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into thin discs about 2–3 mm thick.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each piadina for 2–3 minutes per side until golden spots form. Press gently if it puffs.
Remove from heat and serve warm with desired fillings or plain with olive oil.

Notes

Use lard for authentic flavor; olive oil offers a lighter alternative. Don’t skip the resting period—it helps the dough roll out easily. Fillings can be sweet or savory; traditional includes squacquerone cheese, prosciutto, and arugula. Serve as a meal or cut into wedges for an appetizer. Store leftovers in a sealed bag and reheat on a dry skillet.

Serving Tips for Piadina Romagnola

Enhance your Piadina Romagnola experience with these serving suggestions:

Fill with traditional ingredients like squacquerone cheese, prosciutto, and arugula.
For a sweet twist, spread Nutella or jam inside.
Pair with a glass of Sangiovese wine for an authentic Italian meal.
Serve as an appetizer or a main dish, depending on portion size.
Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

Nutritional Benefits of Piadina Romagnola

Piadina Romagnola offers several nutritional benefits:

Energy: Provides a substantial amount of energy, making it a satisfying meal option.
Carbohydrates: High in carbohydrates, it serves as a good source of fuel for the body.
Protein: Contains moderate protein content, especially when paired with protein-rich fillings.
Fat: Provides fat, primarily from lard or olive oil, contributing to its rich flavor.
Customizable: Nutritional content can vary based on fillings and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Piadina Romagnola is a delightful and versatile flatbread that brings authentic Italian flavors to your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of tradition with every bite.