Fregolata Veneziana (almond-polenta Cake)

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Italy

Known as an Italian recipe, with similar versions prepared across other nations.

Ingredients 15 ingredients

1 ts Vanilla extract
7/8 c Fine yellow or white cornmeal
2 ts Lemon juice
1 ts Almond extract
2 tb Brown sugar, preferably unrefined
1 pn Salt
1/4 c Skinned, toasted hazelnuts (or blanched almonds)
1/4 c Skinned, toasted hazelnuts coarsely chopped
2 Egg yolks
Butter for greasing pan
1/2 c Granulated sugar
Cut
Grated zest of 1 lemon
7 tb Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3/4 c All-purpose flour, scant

Contains GlutenEggsMilkTree nuts Read from the ingredients, not verified. Check labels.

Possible health benefits

General information, not medical advice.

Lemon juice High in vitamin C
High in vitamin C · 39 mg per 100 g, 48% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage.
11 more authorised claims

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of gums.
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of teeth.
Vitamin C contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Vitamin C contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Vitamin C contributes to the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E.
Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient found in some foods. In the body, it acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. NIH fact sheet
Nutrients per 100 g of “Lemon juice, raw”, USDA FoodData Central.

Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).

Cook safely

Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.

Oven and hot trays. Use dry oven gloves for trays and dishes: a hot tray looks just like a cold one. Open the oven door away from your face and let the first rush of heat out.
Sharp knives. Cut on a board that doesn't slip (a damp cloth under it helps), and curl the fingers of the hand that holds the food.

Method

In a blender ot food processor fitted with a steel blade grind the 1 cup of almonds with 2 to 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar to a coarse powder. Add the remaining granulated sugar and process to a very fine powder.
Transfer the almond powder to the bowl of a mixer or a large mixing bowl and beat in the butter until blended. Add the egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the vanilla and almond extracts; mix until well blended. Add the cornmeal, flour, and salt to the almond mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. It is very important not to overwork the dough.
Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter a 9- or 10-inch tart or quiche pan, preferably with a removable bottom. Spread the dough in the pan, using your fingers to distribute dough to the edge. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts and brown sugar.
Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to 300 F and bake for 45 to 50 minutes longer, until the surface is a pale golden brown. Cool completely on a rack and cut into wedges to serve.
Yield: Ten to twelve wedges.
[ The New York Times; Jan 27, 1988 ]