The Sbrisolana cake is typical of Mantova, an Italian city of just over 50,000 inhabitants located in Lombardy, in the north of the country.
The cake is very easy to do and if we do not get into account the baking time its basic preparation will not take us more than 10 minutes. It is also easy to remember the recipe because all the ingredients are mixed with the same weight. The flavor of the almonds turns this cake very tasty and the rustic appearance of the surface also makes it unmistakable.
INGREDIENTS
200 grams (7oz) of white wheat flour
200 grams (7oz) of cornmeal (cornstarch)
200 grams (7oz) of chopped almonds (not crushed)
200 grams (7oz) of sugar
200 grams (7oz) of lard
3 eggs
The grated skin of a lemon
Butter
Icing sugar
In a bowl we mix all the ingredients by kneading with the hands so that the mixture is homogeneous. This will be somewhat difficult because of the presence of the lard that is not very malleable, but in reality the Mantovana cake - another name that is used for this recipe - is more appreciated when lumps form around the pieces of butter.
We introduce the dough in a silicone or disposable aluminum mold. If we use the latter it is convenient to grease it with butter and sprinkling a little flour. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees celsius (374 F) and leave the cake in it until it is golden brown. Check that it is made when you introduce a toothpick at the center and it comes out completely dry. Baking this cake takes between 40 and 50 minutes.
It is eaten warm or cold, sprinkling icing sugar over it ... and it is a delight.