Casatiello

The Casatiello is an Italian traditional pastry that is enjoyed by many throughout Italy. It has become increasingly popular outside of Italy and has been making its way to American kitchens. The Casatiello is a savory pie that typically contains an array of cheeses, meats and spices. The name comes from the Italian word “castello” which means castle or fortress.

Casatiello


The base of the Casatiello is made up of a type of Italian dough known as “pasta reale”. This dough is lightly sweetened with honey and flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. Once the pasta reale is ready, cheese, meats, and spices are added to the dough to form the filling. Common to most recipes is the inclusion of cubed provolone, salami and seasoned pork. Other ingredients that may be included are mortadella, pecorino romano, capers, olives, eggs, and anchovies.

The Casatiello is cooked in a round cake pan, usually lined with wax paper. After the dough is filled with the cheese, meats and seasonings, it is folded over to form a circle. The Casatiello is then topped with an egg wash and left to bake for about 45 minutes.

When done correctly, the Casatiello will have a crunchy outer crust and a moist and cheesy inside. The flavor striking melding of the savory meats, cheese, and spices is truly something to behold.

The Casatiello has become a symbol of hospitality and generosity within Italy and can be served warm or cold. It is often presented as a centerpiece on special occasions and holidays. As the popularity of the Casatiello increases outside of Italy, more and more cooks are discovering this unique and delicious dish.

Casatiello recipes

Amazing Casatiello recipes sourced from the web.

The origin of Casatiello

The Casatiello is a traditional Neapolitan dish that hails from the beautiful city of Naples, Italy. It is known for its unmistakable aroma and its interesting composition of ingredients.

The Casatiello has its roots in a culinary tradition that has been enjoyed in the region for centuries. Many attribute it to the ancient shepherd’s pies and tortas that shepherds and herdsmen would cook over open fires. These dishes evolved and mutated over time until they took on their current form.

Casatiello is made using a variety of ingredients including pork, salami, provolone and Pecorino cheese, capers, anchovies, boiled eggs, black pepper and, most importantly, lard. This combination creates a unique and delicious flavor. The layers of flavors are highly sought after by locals and visitors alike.

It is believed that the Casatiello was created as a way to use up the leftovers from the meals that the poor people of Naples would eat. As a result, the dish features various meats and cheeses, leftover bits of food, and any ingredients that could be found close at hand.

Most people enjoy Casatiello as a snack or light meal. It can also accompany other dishes, such as pasta or pizza, or it can be served as an appetizer. It is a very versatile dish that can be served in various ways.

Today, the Casatiello is a beloved dish throughout Naples and the surrounding areas. It is one of the oldest and most revered dishes in the Neapolitan cuisine, and it has become an iconic symbol of the city. As such, it can be difficult to find outside of Naples and the regions near to it. Still, the unique flavor and history behind this dish makes it well worth seeking out.

Casatiello videos

Types of Casatiello

Ah Casatiello, the classic Italian baked dish that has been passed down through the generations and still stands up as a breakfast, lunch or dinner option. Succulent meats, tasty cheeses and a lot of flavour combine to make this rustic dish one that can hit the spot, no matter what your craving.

But let's get down to the specifics. What are the different types of Casatiello? Well, there are five primary varieties that you'll likely come across.

First is the classic Neapolitan style Casatiello. This is a heavily salted variety, filled with cured meats such as prosciutto, pancetta or capocollo. It is usually seasoned with oregano and parsley, making it quite fragrant. The bread is usually leavened with beer yeast to give it a unique flavour and texture.

Second is the Campanian style Casatiello. This type skips the salting, instead using milder flavours like pepper and garlic. The added cheese also helps provide a creamier texture. This version is often filled with mozzarella and provolone, giving it a richer taste.

Third is the Puglia style Casatiello. This is the most traditional of all the varieties. It is the simplest of them all, with minimal spices. Here, the only seasonings are black pepper, oregano and bay leaves. The meats are typically cotechino, salami, soppressata and pancetta.

Fourth is the Calabrian style Casatiello. This type is much spicier than the others, due to being seasoned with paprika, oregano and red pepper flakes. The added kick gives it a unique flavor, making it stand out from the rest.

And lastly, there is the Sicilian style Casatiello. This version is made with sheep's milk ricotta and other creamy cheeses such as pecorino romano. The meats used are salami and ham, as well as wild mushrooms for an extra touch. The dough also takes on a slightly sweeter flavour due to the addition of honey.

Of course, there are many regional variations of this classic dish, but these five varieties are the most commonly found. Whether you're after something rustic and savoury, or something spicy and creamy, there is sure to be a Casatiello to suit your palate.