Biscotti Di Pepe - Taralli - Italian Pepper Biscuits

DeSouter's Note:

A great hard biscuit with a twinge of hotness! A staple in Italian delis and "pastosas".

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 dozen

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees)
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (or more)
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast in water.
2. Sift flour salt and pepper onto mixing board.
3. Make a well in the center and add yeast and oil.
4. Blend together and gradually incorporate into flour.
5. The dough will be stiff.
6. Knead 10 minutes.
7. Place in oiled bowl, turn to coat, cover with towel and let rise until doubled in bulk.
8. Preheat oven to 375º.
9. Break off small pieces of dough and roll into ropes about 6 inches long.
10. Form a ring and pinch edges together.
11. Place on baking sheet and let rise 20 minutes.
12. Brush with oil and bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Reviews

[lovetobake11]

This recipe has the exact flavor and texture of the Pepper Biscuits I have been buying from local Italian bakeries for years. The only change I made was to add a tablespoon of lightly toasted fennel seeds (again as they are locally made). This recipe is a keeper and I will be making the biscuits often. They a sooooo good with a cup of coffee.

[kelly in TO]

Really did love these. My friend called them little doughnut biscotti's. Perfect amount of pepper. I like the rope shape too, more of a bread stick. Careful with the oil! Next time I might cut back on the oil a tbsp. Thanks for posting!

[mandagirl]

Excellent pepper biscuit recipe! In my family it is traditional to bake them long, still in the rope shape, like a bread stick. This is how I made them. Cooking time was approx. the same...excellent recipe.