Savory Zucchini Ring Cake, or Ciambella Salata con Zucchine, is a delicious Italian-inspired savory cake. Packed with tender zucchini, creamy cheese, and savory mortadella, it’s perfect for brunch, a picnic, or a light lunch. Its ring shape makes it visually appealing, and the combination of flavors guarantees a crowd-pleasing dish.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
This ring cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Zucchini adds a subtle sweetness and moisture, while mortadella and smoked provola provide a savory depth. Parmesan and potato starch help achieve a light, airy texture. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a versatile and satisfying dish.
What Is Savory Zucchini Ring Cake?
Savory Zucchini Ring Cake is a type of Italian ciambella salata, a ring-shaped savory cake. Unlike sweet cakes, it incorporates vegetables, cheese, and cured meats for a hearty and flavorful option. The combination of zucchini, mortadella, and smoked cheese creates a moist, tender cake ideal for brunches, picnics, or appetizers.
Pro Tips for the Best Savory Zucchini Ring Cake
- Use a mandoline for even, thin zucchini slices that incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- Season zucchini before adding them, as salt and pepper draw out moisture and enhance flavor.
- Use room-temperature eggs: they mix better with the milk and oil for a smooth batter.
- Incorporate zucchini, mortadella, and cheese carefully to prevent breaking the zucchini and to keep the batter airy.
- Butter and flour the pan thoroughly to ensure easy unmolding and to maintain the cake’s shape.
- Insert a toothpick into the cake; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes, smoked gouda or mozzarella can replace smoked provola. Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Omit the mortadella and add extra vegetables like bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Can I Use Type 00 Flour?
Yes, it works fine as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Is This Cake Suitable for a Picnic?
Absolutely! This savory ring cake is portable and delicious cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or potlucks.
How to Store
Cool the cake completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve at room temperature or reheat lightly in the oven.
How to Freeze
Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.
Ingredients
How to Make Savory Zucchini Ring Cake
To prepare ring cake, first trim the vegetables and cut them into thin slices using a mandolin.
To prepare ring cake, first trim the vegetables and cut them into thin slices using a mandolin.
Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and mix carefully.
Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and mix carefully.
Break the eggs into a separate bowl.
Break the eggs into a separate bowl.
Gradually pour in the seed oil and beat the eggs with the prongs of a fork.
Gradually pour in the seed oil and beat the eggs with the prongs of a fork.
Add the milk too.
Add the milk too.
Continue with the grated parmesan.
Continue with the grated parmesan.
Add the flour, starch and instant yeast for savory cakes, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix with a spatula to incorporate the ingredients.
Add the flour, starch and instant yeast for savory cakes, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix with a spatula to incorporate the ingredients.
At this point, add the zucchini slices to the creamy mixture obtained.
At this point, add the zucchini slices to the creamy mixture obtained.
Add the mortadella and diced provola cheese and mix carefully.
Add the mortadella and diced provola cheese and mix carefully.
Spread the prepared mixture into a previously buttered and floured donut mold.
Spread the prepared mixture into a previously buttered and floured donut mold.
Level the surface with a spatula and cook everything in a preheated oven at 355°F/180°C for about 40 minutes.
Level the surface with a spatula and cook everything in a preheated oven at 355°F/180°C for about 40 minutes.
When it is golden and fragrant, take the rustica out of the oven.
When it is golden and fragrant, take the rustica out of the oven.
Unmold the savory zucchini ring cake onto a serving plate, cut it into slices and serve. Enjoy!
Unmold the savory zucchini ring cake onto a serving plate, cut it into slices and serve. Enjoy!
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