Imagine a dessert so elegantly simple yet profoundly delicious that it captures the essence of Italian culinary artistry in just a few ingredients. Arance con Zucchero, or Sugared Sliced Oranges, is a classic Italian treat that transforms ordinary oranges into a sublime sensory experience. With just minutes of preparation, you'll create a refreshing delicacy that dances between sweet, citrusy, and subtly spiced flavors, promising to transport you straight to the sun-drenched orchards of Italy.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly under cool running water to remove any surface dirt or wax coating.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off both ends of each orange to create a flat surface for stable cutting.
- Stand the orange upright on a cutting board and carefully remove the peel and white pith by cutting from top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit to preserve as much flesh as possible.
- Once peeled, slice the oranges horizontally into thin, even rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange the orange slices in a single layer on a serving platter, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the orange slices, ensuring each slice gets a light, even coating.
- Let the oranges sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sugar to slightly dissolve and create a delicate, glistening surface.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as a light, refreshing dessert or palate cleanser.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm oranges with smooth, vibrant skin for the best flavor and presentation.
- Use a sharp, high-quality knife for precise, even orange slices that look professionally prepared.
- For an extra flavor dimension, experiment with different sugar types like raw or vanilla-infused sugar.
- Chill your serving platter beforehand to keep the orange slices cool and fresh.
- For a more sophisticated presentation, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of additional cinnamon.
- Serve immediately after preparing to maintain the optimal texture and prevent the sugar from becoming too wet.
- Consider pairing with a light dessert wine or espresso for an authentic Italian dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
