San Marino Sbrisolona

Sbrisolona is a delightful Italian dessert that hails from the quaint region of Lombardia in Italy. Despite its humble origins, it has found its way to the kitchens and hearts of many across Italy, including the tiny republic of San Marino. This wonderful treat is renowned for its crumbly texture and a rich blend of flavors stemming from its simple yet elegant ingredients. Historically, Sbrisolona was a dessert for the common folk, made from humble staples like cornmeal and almonds. Over time, it has evolved into a delicacy served in various local festivities and enjoyed with a glass of sweet wine or a hot cup of espresso.

Ingredients

• Cornmeal - 200g
• All-Purpose Flour - 200g
• Ground Almonds - 100g
• Granulated Sugar - 150g
• Unsalted Butter - 150g
• Egg Yolks - 2
• Lemon Zest - from 1 lemon
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
• Whole Almonds - for topping
• Salt - a pinch

Preparation

1. First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking dish, preferably a round tart pan, by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, ground almonds, and sugar. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture to enhance the flavors.
4. Incorporate the unsalted butter, which should be cold and cut into small cubes. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is essential for achieving the crumbly texture that Sbrisolona is known for.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix lightly. Be careful not to overmix—Sbrisolona's charm lies in its crumbly texture.

Cooking Process

1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared tart pan. Gently level it out with your fingers or a spatula, but do not press too hard.
2. Scatter the whole almonds over the top to add a crunchy contrast.
3. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown. You can set your cooking timer for accuracy.
4. Once baked, allow the Sbrisolona to cool in the pan. This dessert is traditionally served in broken pieces, so there’s no need to slice it perfectly.

Enjoying San Marino Sbrisolona

San Marino Sbrisolona is best enjoyed with friends and family, often paired with a sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo. The idea is to break it into pieces, which encourages a communal rather than a solitary eating experience.

Sbrisolona pairs excellently with a hot beverage as well; consider serving it with espresso, cappuccino, or tea, which balance the dessert’s sweetness and richness.

Storing leftover Sbrisolona is easy: simply place it in an airtight container to maintain its delectable crunch. This keeps the dessert fresh for several days, allowing you to savor its delightful taste over time.