Amaretti Sardi (Sardinian Amaretti Cookies)

Amaretti Sardi (Sardinian Amaretti Cookies)

Amaretti Sardi (Sardinian Amaretti Cookies)

By Master Chef Gianluca Deiana Abis

History of Amaretti Sardi

Amaretti Sardi are a traditional Sardinian cookie made from almonds and sugar, with a distinct chewy interior and a crispy exterior. These cookies are a beloved treat in Sardinia, often enjoyed during festive occasions such as Easter, Christmas, or family gatherings. The origins of amaretti date back to the 16th century in Italy, with variations found across the country. However, the Sardinian version is particularly well-known for its almond-based flavor, with almond flour as the main ingredient, and often a distinctive orange or lemon zest to give it a refreshing citrus twist.

The use of almonds in Sardinia is no surprise—Sardinia is renowned for its high-quality almonds, which thrive in the island’s warm, dry climate. The Sardinian amaretti are characterized by their soft, chewy interior and crunchy exterior, offering a perfect balance of textures that make them irresistible with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

• 1 cup (200g) sugar

• 2 large egg whites

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

• A pinch of salt

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Egg Whites:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks. You can use an electric mixer for this step, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.

• Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much, as they will help give the cookies their chewy texture.

3. Shape the Cookies:

• Once the dough is well-mixed, take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. The dough will be slightly sticky, but that’s okay.

• Place the balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If desired, dust each ball lightly with powdered sugar before baking for a more traditional look.

4. Bake the Amaretti:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the tops are cracked.

• The cookies should remain soft in the center with a crisp, golden crust on the outside. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should retain their chewy interior.

5. Cool and Serve:

• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool and develop their signature texture.

• Once cool, serve the Amaretti Sardi with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of sweet wine like Moscato or Cannonau from Sardinia.

Chef Tips:

1. Use Fresh Almond Flour:To get the best flavor and texture, use freshly ground almond flour, or grind your own almonds in a food processor to ensure the best quality and freshness in your cookies.

2. Gentle Mixing:Be careful when folding the egg whites into the almond mixture. Over-mixing will deflate the egg whites and result in less fluffy cookies. The goal is to gently combine the two mixtures without losing the airiness of the egg whites.

3. Optional Lemon Zest:The lemon zest is optional but highly recommended. It adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavor of the cookies, balancing the sweetness of the almonds and sugar.

4. Powdered Sugar:Dusting the cookies with powdered sugar before baking gives them that classic amaretto look and texture. It also adds an extra touch of sweetness to the final product.

5. Storage:Amaretti Sardi can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well if you want to save them for later.

Wine Pairing:

1. Moscato d'Asti (Piedmont):The sweet, effervescent nature of Moscato d'Asti pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of the Amaretti Sardi. The wine’s light bubbles and refreshing sweetness complement the chewy almond texture of the cookies.

2. Vin Santo (Tuscany):Vin Santo, a rich and slightly nutty dessert wine from Tuscany, provides a complementary sweetness to the amaretto flavor and adds a luxurious touch when paired with these cookies.

3. Cannonau (Sardinia):For a truly authentic Sardinian pairing, enjoy the cookies with a glass of Cannonau, a full-bodied red wine from Sardinia. Its rich, fruity profile and moderate tannins make it a perfect match for the almond-forward flavors of Amaretti Sardi.

Enjoy your Amaretti Sardi (Sardinian Amaretti Cookies)!

These delicate, nutty cookies are a true taste of Sardinia, with their chewy center and crispy exterior, perfectly complemented by a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. They are the perfect way to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean into your home. Buon Appetito!