Pisarei e faśö

Pisarei e faśö

Pisarei e faśö served in a traditional dish

Pisarei e faśö is a traditional dish from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, particularly associated with the city of Piacenza. This hearty dish is a staple of Piacenza's culinary heritage and is known for its comforting and rustic flavors. It consists of small, hand-rolled pasta dumplings called "pisarei" served with a rich and savory bean sauce, typically made with borlotti beans.

Ingredients

The main components of pisarei e faśö are the pisarei dumplings and the bean sauce. The ingredients for each component are as follows:

Pisarei

• Flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Water
• A pinch of salt

Bean Sauce

• Borlotti beans (or cannellini beans)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Lard or olive oil
• Sage
• Bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Making the Pisarei

The pisarei are made by combining flour and breadcrumbs with water to form a dough. The dough is kneaded until smooth and then rolled into thin ropes. These ropes are cut into small pieces, which are then rolled into small, oval-shaped dumplings. The dumplings are traditionally pressed with the thumb to create a small indentation, which helps them hold the sauce better.

Preparing the Bean Sauce

Close-up of pisarei e faśö showing the texture of the dumplings and sauce

The bean sauce begins with sautéing finely chopped onions and garlic in lard or olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Tomato paste is added to the mixture, followed by the borlotti beans, which have been soaked and cooked until tender. The sauce is seasoned with sage, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, and simmered until it reaches a thick, hearty consistency.

Serving

Pisarei e faśö is typically served hot, with the pisarei dumplings mixed into the bean sauce. The dish is often garnished with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which adds a rich, umami flavor. It is a popular choice for a first course or a main dish, especially during the colder months.

Cultural Significance

Pisarei e faśö is more than just a dish; it is a symbol of the culinary traditions of Piacenza and the surrounding region. It reflects the resourcefulness of the local people, who historically used simple, readily available ingredients to create nourishing and satisfying meals. The dish is often prepared for family gatherings and festive occasions, embodying the warmth and hospitality of the region.

Related pages

• Emilia-Romagna
• Piacenza
• Italian cuisine
• Pasta