Scarpaccia is a traditional Italian savory cake that showcases seasonal vegetables. This version features fresh tomatoes, Italian bell peppers, and onions, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful dish.
The recipe is simple and perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer. It highlights the natural sweetness of the vegetables and is a great way to use up summer produce.
Overview of Scarpaccia
Scarpaccia is a delightful Italian dish that brings together the essence of seasonal vegetables in a savory cake format.
This traditional recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the natural sweetness of garden-fresh produce.
Often enjoyed as a light lunch or an appetizer, scarpaccia is a wonderful way to celebrate summer’s bounty while offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients.
Ripe tomatoes, Italian bell peppers, and finely chopped onions form the base of this savory cake, creating a colorful and appetizing presentation.
Combined with a batter made from all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, and olive oil, these vegetables come together to create a moist interior with a slightly crispy golden-brown crust.
Preparation Process
Creating scarpaccia is an enjoyable process that requires minimal effort.
Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking dish, ensuring it’s greased for easy removal.
The vegetables are then combined in a bowl, seasoned, and set aside while the batter is whisked together until smooth.
Finally, the vegetable mixture is gently folded into the batter, creating a harmonious blend of flavors ready for baking.
Baking to Perfection
Baking scarpaccia is where the magic happens.
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
As it bakes, the aroma of the vegetables fills the kitchen, and the top transforms into a beautiful golden hue.
After about 35-40 minutes, a toothpick test will confirm when it’s ready, ensuring a delightful texture that’s both moist and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the scarpaccia to cool slightly before slicing.
Each slice of this savory cake offers a balanced option, with approximately 180 calories per serving.
Savory Italian Vegetable Cake Recipe
This scarpaccia is made with a batter that incorporates fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 large Italian bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Make the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, and olive oil until smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold the vegetable mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scarpaccia to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g