Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup (150ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (115g) lard or vegetable shortening
For the Filling:
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, drained
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) semolina flour
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup (40g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
For Baking and Garnishing:
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually add the water while kneading until a firm dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.
- Gradually whisk in the semolina flour, stirring continuously until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta, sugar, egg, vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon.
- Add the cooled semolina mixture and stir until smooth.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, if using. Cover and refrigerate.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Dough
- Lightly grease a clean work surface and rolling pin.
- Roll out the dough into a long, thin rectangle (about ⅛ inch thick).
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter or lard over the dough.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from one end to the other.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 4: Form the Pastries
- Slice the chilled dough log into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Using your fingers, press the center of each piece outward, forming a cone shape.
- Fill each cone with about 1 tablespoon of ricotta filling.
- Seal the open edges gently without pressing too hard.
Step 5: Bake the Lobster Tail Pastries
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pastries on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush them with egg yolk for a golden finish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pastries cool for 10 minutes.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm with a cup of espresso or dessert wine.
Notes
- Dough Elasticity: The dough should be as thin as possible for flaky layers. Chilling helps maintain structure.
- Semolina Thickening: Ensure semolina is fully cooked to avoid a grainy texture in the filling.
- Sealing Technique: Press the edges gently so the filling doesn’t leak while baking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg