Casatiello / Tòrtano ripieno (savoury Easter bread) - Campania
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Casatiello is ring-shaped stuffed bread topped with eggs which has been an iconic Easter treat for more than 400 years. The ring-shape is symbolic of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion and the eggs represent Jesus's rebirth. It is the perfect dish to pack for the tradition of picnicking on Easter Monday (Pasquetta). The dough is usually made on Good Friday, left to rise overnight and baked the next morning. Similarly tòrtano is also ring-shaped and is filled with pork scratchings (then called tòrtano cu' cicoli) or with salami napoletano, hard-boiled egg and cheese (then called tòrtano ripieno) and is available year round. The word, "tòrtano" is from the latin word, "tortanus" which means a ring-shaped bread. Tòrtano is not topped with eggs (see variations in the notes). There are also sweet versions topped with icing and sprinkles (hundreds and thousands).