Recipe: Umbulata (Sicilian Stuffed Bread) (not Mike's Deli)

UMBULATA (SICILIAN STUFFED BREAD)
Adapted from source: Jeff Para/FoodTV

"Recreate a family tradition in Indianapolis, IN, with a family recipe for Umbulata, a Sicilian Stuffed Bread passed down from a great aunt."

FOR THE BREAD DOUGH:
6 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup shortening
Hot water (as needed)
1 package yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water
Flour
Olive oil

Put flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl, mix. Add shortening. Pour hot water over mix (in small amounts, as needed) and start combining. Add dissolved yeast, and continue mixing. Add more hot water until a soft dough is formed. Sprinkle with more flour when the dough gets sticky. Continue to knead to form a grainy soft dough. DO NOT OVER KNEAD !!! Push dough to side of bowl and add a little olive oil, roll dough around to coat with oil. Place waxed paper over dough and cover with a clean dishcloth. Allow to rise to double.

FILLING AND ASSEMBLY:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 1/2 pounds ground pork, or substitute ground bulk sausage and eliminate seasonings
2 bunches green onions
1/2 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese chunks 1/4-inch square
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
FOR TOPPING:
1 egg
Sesame seeds

Brown ground beef and pork together. Start with pork to make sure it cooks thoroughly. Add green onions, basil and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let cool.

When dough has doubled in size take 1/2 of the dough and roll to a 1-inch thick and 10-inch round circle.

Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of the shortening on top of the dough. Press 1/2 of the cheese chunks into the dough. Spread 1/2 the meat mixture on the dough. Next sprinkle 1/2 of the grated cheese on top of the meat. Roll the dough jelly roll style and place on a well greased cookie sheet with the end on the underside of the roll. Repeat the process for the second loaf. Let rise 15 to 30 minutes.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the top of each roll with the egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes until browned. Slice and serve warm or cold. Refrigerate leftovers.