Pani Cunzatu

'Pani cunzatu', which in Sicilian dialect literally means 'stuffed bread', was prepared on feast days when everyone baked bread at home. As soon as the first loaf, known as 'a cudduredda', was ready it was cut in two, hot from the oven. It was then seasoned with salt, a sprinkle of oregano, lashings of olive oil, a handful of 'capuliatu' (Sicilian sun dried tomatoes) and a slice of seasoned cheese. Traditionally made with regional cheeses such as Ragusano or Caciocavallo, however this works just as well with other soft cheeses such as Taleggio, Asiago or even Cheddar!

SERVES: 4-6

PREPARATION TIME: 10-15 minutes

COOKING TIME: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients

100g Sun Dried Tomatoes in Oil, drained well
4-6 tbsp Filippo Berio Monti Iblei Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 X 300g rustic loaf of bread such as Ciabatta
½ Tsp flaked Sea Salt
8 slices of soft cheese
2 tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tbsp dried oregano
8 fresh basil leaves, torn
Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Finely chop the sun dried tomatoes. Pre heat the oven to 180 degrees C / 350 degrees F / Gas mark 4 for about 10 minutes. Toast the bread until hot and crispy on both sides. Cut the hot bread in half horizontally and drizzle with Filippo Monti Iblei Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Top with the tomatoes, cheese slices and oregano. Sprinkle with salt and basil leaves. Put on top of the loaf and cut into 4-6 wedges. Garnish the seasoned bread with basil leaves and serve whilst warm.

COOK WITH:
Monti Iblei Val Tellaro

Produced in the Monti Iblei area of Sicily and made using Tonda Iblea olives, this Extra Virgin olive oil has a full-bodied flavour and an intense aroma, reminiscent of tomato leaves.Produced in the Monti Iblei area of Sicily and made using Tonda Iblea olives, this Extra Virgin olive oil has a full-bodied flavour and an intense aroma, reminiscent of tomato leaves.