Seville Crunch

Introduction

The Seville Crunch is a unique culinary delight that has roots in the vibrant city of Seville, Spain. While the exact origin of this dish is shrouded in mystery, it's believed to have been inspired by the rich flavors of the Andalusian region, known for its citrus groves and abundant olive oil. The Seville Crunch combines sweet and savory elements, creating a satisfying and texturally interesting treat that has become a favorite both locally and globally. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, it showcases the zestiness of Seville oranges, the richness of almonds, and the flavorful depth of honey. The crunch factor comes from its almond nougatine layer which adds the signature bite to this dessert.

Ingredients

• Seville orange zest (from 2 oranges) and Seville orange juice (1/2 cup)
• 1 cup almonds, finely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• Baking powder - 1 teaspoon
• Egg - 2 large
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Almond Nougatine

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown. Make sure to check occasionally to prevent them from burning. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and honey, stirring continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is bubbly. Add the toasted almonds and stir to coat them well. Transfer this mixture to a piece of parchment paper, spreading it out into an even layer. Set it aside to cool thoroughly before breaking it into small pieces. This will serve as the crunchy element of our dish.

Step 2: Making the Seville Crunch Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the melted butter and then stir in the vanilla extract, Seville orange zest, and Seville orange juice. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.

Cooking Process

Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the almond nougatine crumbs on top, pressing them slightly into the batter to ensure they stick during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It's important to modify the baking time as needed, depending on your oven. For an accurate cooking time, check your cooking timer.

Once taking out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

The Seville Crunch is delightfully delicious when enjoyed with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a warm cup of coffee. Its balanced flavor and crunchy texture also make it an ideal companion for creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent option, you may also drizzle some additional honey over the top of each slice.

This versatile treat can serve as a delightful morning breakfast or as a charming dessert to end your meal. Enjoy the delightful scent of Seville oranges as you relax with every bite of this crunchy and zesty dessert.